UK And India Boost Partnership In Fighting Terrorism

India and UK have agreed to further strengthen their defence partnership, following talks between the Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley.

Mr Fallon told the Hindustan Times that the UK needs to be more forthright on terrorism, particularly terrorism that "flows across" Pakistan's borders into Afghanistan and the surrounding region.

He has agreed with Mr Jaitley to further strengthen naval and maritime cooperation, including a technical agreement to exchange information to track terrorist and pirate vessels.

Mr Fallon said: "As Britain steps up globally, we continue to develop our close security partnership with India.

"Our countries are recognised globally as leaders in defence and we remain steadfast in our commitment to regional security, growing our defence industries and supporting our mutual interests.

"Our nations face the same threats and we will work closely together to harness British expertise and Indian brain power to develop cutting edge technologies and equipment that benefit both of our Armed Forces."

The Defence Secretary is in India as part of a four-day visit.