§ 48. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and India in the light of the recent visit by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton).
§ Mr. EggarWe have close and wide-ranging relations with the Indian Government.
The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton) visited India on 10–11 December 1986. He had cordial discussions that included detailed discussion of measures to deal with terrorist activities directed against India. My hon. Friend strongly reiterated Britain's firm commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of India. Both sides made clear their view that the encouragement of violence and the stirring of religious and racial prejudice had no place in their democratic societies. The two Governments agreed to hold further discussions on a proposed extradition treaty, and to remain in close touch in dealing with terrorist activities directed against India.