India, Britain to join hands against terrorism

Indian and British foreign ministers vowed to step up cooperation against threats from terrorism and climate change here Thursday.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee met with his British counterpart Margaret Beckett here Thursday holding " constructive discussions" on a wide range of bilateral and global issues, including counter-terrorism, climate change and improvement of economic ties.

The two countries would take new steps in sharing information to avert terrorist attacks on mass transit system, said Beckett who is on a six-day visit to India.

The two countries have faced similar attacks. Multiple bombings in London's underground metro last year and serial blasts in commuter trains in Mumbai claimed many lives and injured hundreds.

Mukherjee said as both countries were "victims of terrorism," they would further enhance their ongoing cooperation in countering terrorism.

As India has become an important country with emerging economy, it has to confront the global challenge of climate change, Beckett said, adding that Britain will seek more dialogue with India on this issue.

"It's for us to take this initiative forward. It's a problem the world community needs to address together," Beckett said.

She outlined a plan to enhance cooperation with India in developing clean coal technologies.

Source: Xinhua