British Defence Minister John Reid said Tuesday that Britain regards India as an important partner in the global fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

"The threats of proliferation and the fight against terrorism are as great now as they have ever been, but they provide a real opportunity for the UK and India to work together as partners on tackling these global issues," said Reid, who came here for a two-day official visit to India.

Reid is expected to hold talks with Indian leaders to boost bilateral military ties, including exercises and training.

"The armed forces of both India and the UK pride themselves on excellence, and the increase in the number of joint exercises and training opportunities between the two countries will only serve to strengthen that relationship further," said Reid in a statement.

He also said he would take forward the efforts for cooperation on strategic issues that were agreed on by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at their meeting here last September.

"I look forward to taking our engagement forward even further when I meet Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and other senior figures in New Delhi," said the British minister, who arrived in India from Pakistan where he met President Pervez Musharraf.

Source: Xinhua