New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Emphasising on the need for mutual cooperation between countries to track down tax evaders, President Pratibha Patil Friday said her government would take strict measures to crack down on those evading tax.

"The war against black money has to be addressed both domestically and through cross-border measures," President Patil said while addressing the concluding ceremony here of the year-long celebrations commemorating 150 years of Income Tax Department. 

She said while the government would encourage the environment of voluntary tax compliance, strict measures would be taken to bring obstinately uncooperative tax evaders to justice. 

"While undoubtedly the fostering of an environment of voluntary compliance will help, there is also need for putting in place measures, tough laws and procedures, to ensure that recalcitrant tax evaders are brought to book," she said. 

The president said the thrust for better global co-operation should continue "through appropriate agreements on tax information exchange, and on mutual co-operation between countries to track down evaders taking shelter in other jurisdictions". 

To celebrate 150 years of its establishment, the Income Tax Department organised a series of workshops across the country aimed to increase voluntary tax compliance among the common people.