Fernandes begins U.K. visit

LONDON, JUNE 14. India's security concerns and London's efforts to push an arms export deal with New Delhi are likely to dominate discussions during the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes' four-day visit to Britain which began today.

Indian sources said Mr. Fernandes will put forward New Delhi's security concerns and make it clear that its defence policy will be determined by threat perceptions.

Britain is likely to take up the issue of sale of Hawk trainer jets during his trip..

Britain's efforts at selling the jets was reflected in a statement by the Foreign Office Minister, Mr. Peter Hain in the House of Commons last month. ``We want to ensure that this one- million pound deal is successful,'' Mr. Hain had said.

During their visits to India, The British Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. John Prescott, Mr. Hain and the Trade and Industry Secretary, Mr. Stephen Byers, had raised the question of the sale of Hawk jets.

The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook, had also taken up the issue. But India has expressed concern about the British export regulations and its possible impact on the sale of spare parts and maintenance of existing supplies of British equipment. Britain has attached considerable importance to the visit of Mr. Fernandes who flew in here from Brussels last night.

Mr. Fernandes is scheduled to meet Mr. Byers and the Defence Secretary, Seoff Hoon.

Mr. Fernandes is also scheduled to address a round table discussion on India's security concerns in the 21st century.

He will visit the permanent joint headquarters, Northwood, middlesex and attend a millennium reception hosted by the India Development Group and the Gandhi Foundation.

Before leaving for New Delhi on Saturday night, Mr. Fernandes will be present at the Queen's birthday parade and attend a luncheon hosted by the Indian Journalists Association.

- PTI

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