Indian defence minister in Britain

Speculation is rife that defence contracts may be discussed

By Jyotsna Singh in Delhi

Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes has arrived in Britain for a three-day official visit.

He is due to meet his British counterpart, Geoff Hoon, and the UK Minister for Trade and Industry, Stephen Byers.

A statement issued by the Indian defence ministry says the primary purpose of the visit of Mr Fernandes is to make Britain more aware of India's security concerns.

Official talks between the defence ministers of the two countries are due to be held on Thursday.

The visit comes at a time when some leading British arms manufacturers have been shortlisted by India for major defence contracts.

One of these, worth over $600m, is for the purchase of British Advance Jet Trainers for the Indian Air Force.

However, an Indian defence spokesman categorically denied that any defence contracts would be discussed.

Mr Fernandes will visit the International Institute of Strategic Studies and the Imperial War Museum in London.

He recently announced plans to establish a National War Museum in India, which he said would reflect important progress and developments made by India's armed forces.

Discussions on improving trade and commerce will also be held with the British Trade minister.

The arrival of Mr Fernandes in Britain follows on from a visit to Brussels, where he delivered a lecture on India's security concerns in the twenty-first century.