Counter-terrorism, climate change and business linkages are some of the key issues that are expected to figure in the bilateral talks between India and Britain as UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrives for a two-day visit on January 20. Apart from these, agreements on education initiatives between the two countries are to be inked during the visit.

Briefing about Brown’s maiden visit as the PM — he visited last year as the Chancellor of the Exchequer — British High Commissioner Richard Stagg on Friday said that both countries were facing similar terrorism challenges. He drew parallels between Mumbai train blasts and London tube bombings. Both countries will also host major international sports events in the near future — 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and 2012 Olympics in London. “We will learn from each other and this (information-sharing) will be a two-way street,” Stagg said.

Brown is also expected to exchange notes with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Pakistan’s present political situation and their China experiences. Brown is coming to India via China, and Dr Singh was in China early this week.

Brown will also urge India to do more on Myanmar, although Britain acknowledges the difference of opinion on the issue, as India has a different relationship with Myanmar.

Commenting on Brown’s visit, MEA spokesperson said: “India and the UK share a strategic relationship that is multi-faceted and has developed substantially over the past few years.” The two countries, MEA said, will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding on India-UK Higher Education Leadership Development Programme to develop leadership skills in Indian universities.

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