On my third visit to India in six months, I am again struck by the energy and dynamism I find here. The relationship between our two countries has never been better. And the range of issues on which we are working has never been broader. This reflects both the fact that the UK and India have a modern and dynamic relationship, but it also reflects the fact that India is becoming a major global player.

In recognition of India's increasing international role the UK has long supported India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. And Prime Minister Tony Blair broke new ground when he invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005. India's importance is not only because of its large population and rapid economic growth but also because of its support for the international rule of law and the values it represents.

In addition to India's position as a global player, it also has a crucial regional role to play. As the most influential and stable country in South Asia, it has a vital part to play in building security in the region. India's role is vital in supporting the efforts being made in neighbouring countries to build political stability and to end violence. Many of the challenges of security cooperation and economic development flow across borders and cannot be addressed by individual states alone. Political stability, combined with sustainable development, is key to a better future for the entire region.

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.

Climate change is another global problem that demands a strong and urgent international response. While developed nations need to lead the way in taking action, it is important that we all recognise the economic impact of this global issue as set out so clearly in the Stern Report. But the impacts of climate change are diverse and complex. For example, it can also have profound implications for regional and global security. We have a strong working relationship with India in this important area.

The one thing I have not yet mentioned is our bilateral relationship. Over one million people travel between our two countries each year, and the British Indian community, also over one million, is one of the UK's most successful. Our business links are getting stronger too. The UK is one of India's biggest economic partners, receiving 60 per cent of India's European investment, and India is now one of the biggest investors in the UK. It isn't a surprise any more when we read about recent deals such as Vodaphone's in India, or Tata's in the UK. Above all, the people of both countries are bound by our shared values of democracy and justice.

There are enormous opportunities to be had from working together. The issues that we face as global partners are not always easy, but we will continue to take the challenge and drive towards bigger economic benefits for the people of both our countries, and an end to the global difficulties that face us all. (AS TOLD TO ME BY ONE OF MY BRITISH FRIENDS - NICK KIMMER J NICKLEDON)

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