Meeting between Sushma, William Hague covered broad canvas of issues: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said that meeting between United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj covered a variety of issues relating economic ties and security.

MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "The discussions were wide ranging and extensive. They covered a broad canvas in terms of variety of issues."

Akbaruddin said that the two leaders discussed the robust economic ties focusing on issues relating to Bangalore-Mumbai economic corridor.

"The External Affairs Minister did indicate that the perspective plan on this should be available by the end of the year. We hope that UK and British companies would be involved in this major infrastructure project," said Akbaruddin.

He also said that the two leaders discussed the security related issues including counter terrorism and cyber issues.

Since UK is home to nearly 1.5 million of the Indian diaspora, the two leaders also discussed various aspects of people to people relations, including consular relations, visa matters and extradition related issues.

Akbaruddin also informed that both the countries are partnering in a range of issues, which relates to skill development, science and technology, and nuclear cooperation.

Akbaruddin further announced, "The External Affairs Minister will be visiting UK for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in October. The UK Secretary of State responded that he wish to have bilateral interactions during that period."

He asserted that the two leaders also discussed regional and international issues, including security situation prevailing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

William Hague, along with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, is on an official visit to India from July 07-08.