India, UK begin talks on terrorism and climate change

New Delhi, Jan. 21 : The fourth India-UK Summit is in progress at Hyderabad House here.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is leading the Indian delegation at the meeting, while the British side is being led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

According to informed sources, the two sides will be discussing the next steps in cooperation in counter terrorism, climate change and cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

The expansion of economic ties, collaboration, in research and development and partnership in higher education and academic exchanges is also being taken up at the meeting. The international situation, including developments in neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar are expected to be reviewed.

Prior to the meeting, Prime Minister Brown called on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L. K. Advani.

He was also given a warm ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning and later conferred with an honorary doctorate by Delhi University.

While launching a UK sports initiative to support sporting projects in India, he announced 3.6 million pounds for it. He also exchanged with the CEOs of Indian companies to enhance trade and cooperation between the two countries. The bilateral trade has been growing at 20 per cent annually since last several years.

Addressing captains of Indian industry, Brown called for making global institutions more representative to reflect the rise of India and Asia. The visiting British Prime Minister said he favoured changes in the IMF, World Bank and G -8, and in this context, reiterated support for India's claim to the permanent Membership of the UN Security Council .

Brown called for dealing firmly with agents of terrorism and areas of disorder to make globalization a force for progress .He stressed upon global institutions to tackle poverty and protect the environment to achieve the inclusive growth.

He said India and Britain stand together to deal with the menace of terrorism and a coherent global effort is is essential to effectively deal with it in its all forms and manifestations. He also urged the countries to strengthen the global law enforcement agencies and financial regulators to eradicate this menace.

He called for setting a new and ambitious agenda to prevent conflicts.

On the issue of civil nuclear cooperation, he said Britain will press for early agreement to a new IAEA led international system to help non nuclear states to acquire new sources of energy. He however said this offer must be made only in return for firm commitments to the highest non-proliferation regimes. (ANI with inputs)

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