Italy and India agree to fight terrorism

The Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, who's on a three-day visit to India, has signed an agreement with his Indian counterpart, IK Gujral, to combat terrorism, organised crime and drugs trafficking.

The remainder of Mr Prodi's visit is expected to focus on on strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

The Italian Prime Minister is leading a delegation of about a hundred business leaders, and is due to attend an economic conference in Madras on Thursday.

The Russian and American presidents have postponed their planned visits to India until after the general elections, due to begin in February.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service