The trial of the main suspect in the Mumbai (Bombay) attacks will continue despite his change of plea to guilty, the judge has ruled.

Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab's confession will go on record but it does not address all 86 charges he faces, Judge ML Tahiliyani said.

The next prosecution witness is due to appear shortly. Mr Qasab's lawyer has offered to withdraw from the case.

More than 170 people were killed in the attacks, nine of them gunmen.

Mr Qasab, who is a Pakistani, faces 86 charges, including waging war on India, murder and possessing explosives.

In May, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors say he changed his plea to secure leniency.

'Partial'

The prosecution had argued that the trial should proceed, while the defence said it should end and a judgement be delivered if the court accepted Mr Qasab's plea.

Judge Tahiliyani said the confessional statement made by the accused on Monday and Tuesday would remain on record, but described it as a partial admission.

"At the outset I am not inclined to pronounce the judgement... The accused has not admitted to all charges. He admits certain parts, admission of guilt for certain charges. He has not admitted to many of the 86 charges," Judge Tahiliyani said.