London: Britain on August 22 backed India's candidature for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Stating this at a press conference at the end of his three-day official visit to the United Kingdom, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani conveyed India's appreciation for Britain's support.

He said that during his meeting with British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott both sides reiterated their commitment to implementation of the New Delhi Declaration, signed by Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi earlier this year, which had given impetus to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the significant increase in bilateral trade, which has already crossed 5 billion Pounds, Advani said.

Prescott will visit India next month, he said.

In addition, Secretary of State for International Development Clare Short and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt are expected to visit India in the next few months, Advani said.

The Deputy Prime Minister extended invitation to Home Secretary David Blunkett to visit India, which has been accepted.

Meanwhile, Britain pressed India to finalise the 1 billion Pound Advanced Jet Trainers (HAWK) deal at the earliest.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani told reporters here that British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw raised the issue during a meeting with him.

"I told the Foreign Secretary that I would take it up with Defence Minister George Fernandes," Advani said, adding the AJT deal has been pending for a pretty long time.

PTI