Terror and migration on Blair's agenda in India

Britain and India today held talks that Prime Minister Tony Blair said would yield agreements on allowing more flights between the countries and boosting co-operation between their film and oil industries.

Blair met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the banks of a lake surrounded by 17th century palaces in Udaipur in the north-western desert state of Rajasthan.

Foul weather prompted a last-minute change in the original plans to meet at a retreat in the Himalayas.

Blair’s convoy was repeatedly slowed by herds of cattle – revered by Hindu Indians – that meandered freely on the road in Udaipur.

Hundreds of people lined the roadsides to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.

After the meeting, Blair’s spokesman said the two discussed terrorism, migration, U N reforms and global warming.

Singh expressed reservations about the Kyoto protocol on global warming, although he acknowledged the need to tackle the problem, a Blair priority, said the spokesman.