One issue on which we work hand in hand is Afghanistan. This is a key foreign policy challenge for the UK and requires a huge military, political and development effort. Both India and the UK have a significant interest in not allowing the Taliban to return and in ensuring Afghanistan once again becomes a net contributor to the international community. We have also developed a good working relationship with India on Nepal, where we both want to see credible elections this autumn and the consolidation of democracy. My engagement with Sri Lanka has made clear to me how vital it is that the peace process is brought back on track, and the UK is willing to work with all parties to help build the foundations of a lasting peace. We want to work with India and others to support Bangladesh’s efforts to end the cycle of instability there. It almost goes without saying that normalisation of India-Pakistan relations is central to regional security, and we welcome the progress that has been made and the range of confidence-building measures which have been put in place.

As well as regional issues, our two countries work together on other global issues. The UK and India are key partners on issues as diverse as climate change and energy security, and counter-terrorism.

The threat from terrorism is real, serious and likely to remain with us for some time. At their meeting last year, our two prime ministers agreed on a package of initiatives on counter-terrorism, sharing our best practice from our joint experience of the horror of terrorism. We have seen in the last few days in Northern Ireland that persistence can pay off, and that terrorism can be defeated.

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