Britain has called for a combined effort with India to combat the menace of terrorism perpetrated on the soils of both the countries. In an exclusive interview to AIR in Kolkata this evening, the visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron said that both the countries have been the victim of terrorism and there is a need for security cooperation and toughness of dealing. He emphasized that both the countries have to come up with a concerted effort to make the perpetrators understand that what they are doing, is really not good.

On being asked his expectations from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet, CHOGM, beginning in Colombo tomorrow amidst allegations of human rights violations by the host country, the visiting dignitary said that the Commonwealth is a family of nations and it believes in certain standards and values like democracy, human rights and freedom. He said it is important that the Commonwealth stands up for these values.

In an earlier interaction, the British Prime Minister said that he respects Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's decision of not attending the CHOGM.

On the issue of hurdles in issuing visas to Indian students and business community, Mr. Cameron said that there is no limit on Indian students visiting Britain for studies. He said that what they need is proficiency in English and a place in genuine British University.

On Bilateral trade and investment, Mr Cameron said that both the countries have to keep finding new initiatives to enhance economic cooperation. He said that Britain is the third largest investor in India and India invests more in Britain than in European Union combined together. The bilateral trade volume is all set to increase to 23 billion pounds by 2015.

Earlier, in the day, Mr. Cameron met Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and reviewed the progress in bilateral, economic and commercial ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction that despite the continuing global economic slowdown and the Eurozone difficulties, India-UK trade ties have been resilient. They also discussed the Bangalore-Mumbai Economic Corridor and were happy at the progress that has been made so far. The importance of India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement was also discussed.

International issues as well as the situation in the region, including the developments in Afghanistan figured prominently during the discussions.