British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has praised his country's links with India following a meeting with visiting External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha.

Sinha, on his way to South Africa to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, attended a luncheon hosted by Straw on Wednesday.

Straw expressed happiness at meeting Sinha. "This is the third time we have met in as many months, but there is always a lot to talk about," he said.

Straw said both the United Kingdom and India are working hard to promote the already excellent bilateral relationship between the two.

The talks included issues like growing links in commerce and education and they agreed on the need to increase direct air services between the UK and India to satisfy consumer demand.

A range of regional and international issues, including India's relationship with Pakistan, was discussed. Straw reiterated his support for a permanent Indian seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Straw has accepted an invitation to visit India early next year, a spokesman for the Indian high commission in London said.