London, June 16
The issue of globally combating terrorism and illegal migration from India to the UK were at the centrestage of talks the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, held separately with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, and the Secretary for Home, Mr David Blunkett, here today.

The talks also revolved around continuing cross-border terrorism and bilateral issues to promote better relations between India and the UK. Mr Blunkett hosted lunch for Mr Advani at the House of Commons, while Mr Blair held talks with him at his official residence.

According to India’s High Commissioner in the UK, Mr Ronen Sen, India’s willingness to assume a composite dialogue with Pakistan was reiterated despite “differences” on several issues between the two countries. Mr Advani expressed hope that Pakistan would adequately respond to the offer on peace made by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“There is no appreciable change on the ground on the part of Pakistan eversince the renewed initiative was made by Mr Vajpayee two months ago. There will be no meaningful outcome of talks unless General Musharraf stops all support to terrorists and their outfits”, Mr Advani reportedly told Mr Blair.

Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf arrives here tomorrow before leaving for the USA to meet President George Bush at Camp David on June 21, he will meet Mr Blair. Prime Minister Blair told Mr Advani that he would “share, assess and convey concerns” of India to General Musharraf on continuing support to terrorist outfits. General Musharraf will be in London for four days. Mr Sen said: “Mr Advani has had detailed discussions with the decision-makers in Washington and conveyed India’s assessment and shared its perspectives. India did not require meditation of the UK for impressing upon the USA to have a better assessment of India’s point of view”.

The meeting with Mr Blair at 10 Downing Street was unusual in more ways than one. Rather than being held across the table in the Cabinet room, the two sat in the garden in  “true friendship and partnership” that the world’s two oldest democracies share.