Indian parliament begins monsoon session

The monsoon session of the Indian parliament opens on Monday, and heated debates are expected over the recent meeting between the Indian prime minister and the president of Pakistan.

The main opposition Congress party and left-wing parties have been highly critical of government's handling of the meeting in the northern Indian city of Agra.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is expected to make a formal statement on Tuesday.

But talking to newsmen on the eve of the session, Mr Vajpayee denied Pakistani reports that a draft agreement had almost been reached at Agra.

Other issues likely to be debated include the financial scandal surrounding the government owned investment company Unit Trust of India.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service