The third round of the India-UK Formalised Dialogue on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament took place at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on 4 September. The dialogue was institutionalised by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries at the time of Mr Robin Cook's visit to New Delhi in April 2000 and is intended to enhance mutual understanding of the problems posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also symbolises the growing strength and dimension of the bilateral relationship.

Dr Sheel Kant Sharma (Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Affairs) headed the Indian delegation. William Ehrman (Director for International Security, Foreign and Commonwealth Office) headed the UK delegation.

The talks covered a number of issues including nuclear issues, ballistic missile proliferation, the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions and export controls.

Following close coordination between the India and UK during the recent UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, discussions also focused on practical measures to deepen cooperation in this field.

The Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach, met the Indian team on arrival. Speaking on the eve of the talks he said: "We are committed to developing a strong dialogue with India on non-proliferation and disarmament issues. This dialogue gives us a regular opportunity to discuss areas of common ground and to try to narrow areas of difference."