Britain and India say they have agreed to co-operate fully to combat global terrorism.

The statement came following talks in London between the visiting Indian foreign minister, Jaswant Singh, and British ministers.

And Mr Singh said India would pass on to Britain what details it had on the Indian Airlines hijack last month.

The two countries also announced a new joint body to help develop understanding between them.

Mr Singh had talks with the British Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, as well as the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook - a sign that concerns about security were at the forefront of the visit.

The issue of the Indian Airlines hijack was raised, and Mr Cook thanked Mr Singh for his part in bringing it to a conclusion.

The Indian foreign minister announced that he had agreed to pass on what details India has on the incident to Britain, in about a week.

Regional stability

Meanwhile, Mr Cook said Britain was following closely the discussions about India signing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

"We believe that such a step be not only in the interests of India but in the interests of reducing tension in the region and contributing to the world regime on non-proliferation," Mr Cook said.

The shadow of nuclear rivalry between India and Pakistan is at the heart of international concern about stability in south Asia, and the nuclear issue will be pursued in more talks in London next week between Mr Singh and US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott.

The British and Indian foreign ministers discussed this week's visit to Pakistan by the British Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie, which has caused some disquiet in India.

Mr Cook insisted that it did not mark any change in British policy towards Pakistan itself.

But, at a later news conference, Mr Singh underlined the obstacles India sees to resuming dialogue with Pakistan.

He complained about what he described as the constant encouragement of cross-border terrorism and offensive propaganda against India.

"This must be put a stop to so that the proper environment for a dialogue is created," Mr Singh said.

However, India and Britain have announced the creation of a new round table of eminent persons to improve understanding between their two countries.