The world should realise that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence is promoting terrorist organisations like the Al-Qaeda and Taliban, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani said on Thursday.

"Al-Qaeda and Taliban are recognised as terrorist organisations. It is important for India that the world also recognises ISI as an organisation that promotes terrorism. If this does not happen the problem will remain," he said at a meeting held to observe 'Anti-Terrorism Day', organised by the Delhi Study Group.

Recalling his recent visit to the United States, when American leaders had told him that India was 'exaggerating Washington's clout' vis-à-vis Pakistan, Advani said he had told the US that "no, I am making a very realistic assessment. I am not exaggerating your influence. I know what is possible".

He said Pakistan had handed over 500 Al-Qaeda terrorists to the US. "I am happy among the 500 there is no Indian. But when India asked for 20 wanted terrorists to be handed over, Islamabad did not do so".

He said the September 11 terror attacks in the US and the subsequent events had brought about a change in the mindset about global terrorism.

He said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited the US in 2000 and had cautioned leaders there that "even distance cannot provide immunity against terrorist attacks".

"Had this been taken with seriousness and followed up with purposeful actions that it deserved, instances like September 11 could have been avoided," he said.