A joint statement signed by the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and India, at the UK-India annual Summit held in New Delhi Monday, said they agreed that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka and urged the Sri Lankan government to put forward a credible devolution package as a key contribution to finding a political settlement acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.
The joint statement, discussing a range of international issues, also said that the UK reaffirmed its firm support for India’s candidature for a permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council.
The joint statement further said that the both countries agreed on the importance of more representative and effective international institutions to address global challenges.
The UK delegation led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, agreed that a reformed UN Security Council that better reflected the realities of the 21st century would enhance global cooperation and security.
The two sides also agreed to intensify practical cooperation in the fight against terrorism, both through bilateral channels and in multilateral forums.
Both the countries noted with satisfaction the growing partnership between India and the EU.