Indian prime minister to talk terrorism, trade in London, Helsinki

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Sunday October 8, 2006

New Delhi- Terrorism, trade and civil nuclear cooperation are expected to figure in Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's discussions with European leaders during a six-day visit to London and Helsinki beginning Monday. Singh leaves for a bilateral visit to Britain pn onday and then will head to Helsinki on Thursday for the annual India-European Union summit.

During their talks Tuesday, Singh and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are expected to discuss joint counter-terrorism measures in the context of recent attacks on public transport networks in both countries, officials said.

The two leaders would also discuss a range of bilateral, regional and international issues and measures to promote trade. India is Britain's fourth largest trade partner.

The World Trade Organization's Doha round of negotiations are expected to figure at the Blair-Singh meeting, officials said. India's Commerce and Industries Minister Kamal Nath will be accompanying Singh.

Singh and Blair are also scheduled to address an India-Britain investment summit in London which is expected to be attended by top executives of British firms including Standard Chartered, Cairn Energy and Tesco.

Singh will also visit his alma mater Cambridge University where he will be awarded an honorary degree by prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who is chancellor of the university.

India and Europe are likely to ink a framework agreement to initiate negotiations on a comprehensive pact for trade in goods and services and investment flows during Singh's visit to Helsinki, PTI news agency reported quoting official sources.

The framework pact is expected to figure in a joint declaration by Singh and his Finnish counterpart Matti Vanhanen, who is hosting the summit. Finland currently holds the EU presidency.

A high-level group examining the feasibility of such a comprehensive treaty is scheduled to submit its report during the summit.

The 25-nation EU is among India's biggest trading partners, absorbing 22.4 per cent of Indian exports and delivering 20.8 per cent of India's imports. But India accounts for only a little over 1.5 per cent of EU's global trade.

Singh is also expected to seek the support of the EU for the India-US civilan nuclear deal. Several EU members are in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group which must approve the deal before it can take effect.

India has been lobbying with individual EU members for their support at the NSG which is scheduled to meet in Vienna later in October.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency