Civil N-energy co-operation tops India-Britain talks

Civil nuclear energy co-operation topped discussions between India and Britain, as annual foreign office consultations were held between both countries on Monday. Ways to enhance strategic partnership were also discussed.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and Sir Michael Jay, permanent under-secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office led their respective deliberations. They also spoke about the upcoming G-8 summit, which will be held at St Petersburg.

"The foreign office consultations covered the whole range of bilateral political, economic and consular issues," Navtej Sarna, spokesman, External Affairs Ministry, said. "The discussion focussed on ways to take the strategic partnership between the two countries forward with focus on reinforcing our partnership on combating terrorism, expansion of economic ties and intensifying cooperation in the areas of science and technology, education and culture."

Sarna added that United Nations reform, including United Nation Security Council reform, was also discussed as was civil nuclear energy cooperation. The two sides also had a useful and extensive exchange of views on regional issues, including the European Union, West Asia, Asia-Pacific and the South-Asian region.