India, UK pact on aviation, nuke power

India and the United Kingdom today agreed on a roadmap for co-operation in aviation, hydrocarbons, intellectual property and a civil nuclear programme besides agreeing to work together on a norm on zero tolerance for terrorism.

The new air services agreement between the two countries will see scheduled services triple this year and further doubling next year is proposed.

Indian carriers are now allowed to operate 56 flights from Delhi and Mumbai to London Heathrow, as against nine at present. On all other routes Indian carriers can mount unlimited number of flights.

In addition to formalising new traffic rights, the treaty also provides guarantees on fair competition, introduces strict new provisions on safety and security and removed unnecessary pricing restrictions.

During their deliberations in Udaipur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and British Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed UN reforms, growing energy needs and bilateral trade. Britain came out in unequivocal support of India"s candidature in the UN Security Council.

A memorandum of understanding between the two countries on oil and gas was signed as a result of the discussions. This will enable British and Indian oil and gas firms to develop indigenous oil and gas resources.

Amidst demands from the British industry to reduce trade barriers and enhance investment flows, Singh told a joint press conference that India was committed to further reducing its tariffs and continuing economic reforms.

Singh conceded that because the Congress party had entered a coalition arrangement for the first time, it was still learning to be part of one. There are some issues on which we differ with our Left friends. but we are in discussion with them" he said.

He said the United Progressive Alliance government was a broad-based coalition that, because of its constituents, covered 75 per cent of the country.

While stating that India and the UK could improve their relations further, Blair, "The talks we have had will further boost not only trade and political relations. They will lend great energy and vitality."

The cooperation on intellectual property rights will be implemented by the UK Patent office in cooperation with the European Patent Office and the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. It would include training, sharing best practice and increasing awareness and understanding of intellectual property.