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Shyam Bhatia in London
Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the rise and success of Islamic militants in Pakistan's general election are expected to dominate Saturday's talks between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his country house, Chequers.
In a preview of what is likely to come up, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told journalists in London that India and the rest of the international community had every reason to celebrate the holding of 'free and fair' assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Unfortunately, they were not free of violence," Sinha added in a pointed reference to attempts by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists to disrupt the electoral process.
Sinha also alluded to the general election in Pakistan, but did not comment on the emergence of the pro-Taliban Islamic coalition, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, as a power to be reckoned with in North West Frontier Province and Baluchistan.
During his talks with Vajpayee, Blair is expected to congratulate the Indian prime minister on what British officials have described as Vajpayee's 'personal role' in the successful outcome of the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.
But British officials have also indicated that Blair will urge India to make every possible effort to resume a dialogue with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Other topics that are likely to be covered are Britain's possible role in helping to expand the European Union market to Indian goods and services and London's hopes of concluding a billion-pound deal to sell the Hawk trainer jet to India.
Asked when the Hawk deal was likely to be finalised Sinha told rediff.com on Friday night that he could not provide a firm timetable.
Blair is also expected to brief Vajpayee on the looming conflict with Iraq if President Saddam Hussein fails to comply with the international community's demand that the United Nations weapons inspectors should be given free access to suspected Weapons of Mass Destruction storage sites.
Britain and the US are mustering their forces for possible military action early next year if the Iraqi leader fails to cooperate.
India has traditionally enjoyed good relations with the Iraqi government and has substantial business interests in that country.
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