Indian defence minister visits Britain

The Indian Defence Minister, George Fernandes, is in Britain for an official visit which Delhi says aims to raise London's awareness of Indian security concerns.

Mr Fernandes will meet his British counterpart, Geoff Hoon, on Thursday, and also hold talks with the minister for trade and industry, Stephen Byers.

The visit comes as leading British arms manufacturers are trying to win major defence contracts with India.

However, an Indian spokesman denied the visit was connected to defence contracts.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service