21/09/2004

Blair welcomes Indian PM to Downing Street

Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with his Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, in Downing Street yesterday.

The Prime Minister said the relationship between Britain and India was "probably the strongest it has been for many, many years".

The two leaders discussed international and bilateral issues in their meeting and a joint declaration was issued following the talks.

Mr Blair said he supported the inclusion of India on a "reformed UN security council" and to take part in G8 discussions.

He said that a democracy of 1.2 billion people should be included in on major issues such as security and climate change.

"This is the position we have adopted over a long period of time and I have no doubt at all that as each year passes the case gets stronger," Mr Blair said.

(gmcg/mb)

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