Visiting Britain's Defence Secretary Liam Fox will hold talks with his Indian counterpart A K Antony in New Delhi later today. AIR correspondent reports that, strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries will be at the centre of discussion. Liam Fox is on a two-day visit to India. Ahead of talks with Mr. Antony, he addressed a session on UK Defence and Strategic Review in New Delhi on Monday evening. Speaking on the occasion, he reiterated that the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks should be brought to justice. He described transnational terrorism, a cancer that is threatening the security of all. He said that Britain's counter terror strategy with Pakistan includes building a long term relationship with Pakistan and continuing to work with the Pakistani government to tackle all extremist groups. He added that a stable Pakistan is in the interests of the international community. Appreciating India's contribution in Afghanistan, he said that the international community is grateful to India for its 1.2 billion US Dollar aid to Afghanistan. He pointed out that economies and people linked threats originating from one part of the globe can become a threat to all parts of the globe very quickly. He said that defence has a major role to play in the bilateral ties of the two countries. Referring to Indian Air Force's 11.3 billion dollar bid for 126 fighter planes in which Eurofighter Typhoon is a contender, he said that the Typhoon has performed outstandingly in the evaluation by IAF. He also said that following his visit, India will see a series of visits from his ministry in the next six months.
News On AIR | November 23, 2010 1:06 PM
Britain's Defence Secretary Liam Fox to hold talks with Antony today