Kolkata: International terrorism is going to be one of the main issues to be discussed during the seventh UK (United Kingdom)-India Round Table meeting to be held from tomorrow (Jan10, 2004).

"Terrorism is an issue about which no democratic nation can be happy about and it has to be tackled sternly," Lord Swraj Paul, who is the Co-Chairman of the UK-India Round Table, said on the eve of the meeting.

Lord Paul, who arrived last evening (Jan 8, 2004) with his 18-member British team, also said, "Terrorism is far more important issue for the UK as we have been dealing with it for 70 years in Northern Ireland."

K C Pant, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, is the Co-Chairman from Indian side. He would be leading the 16-member Indian team in the deliberations.

While appreciating the recent thaw in India-Pakistan relations Lord Paul said, "It was great statesmanship by Prime Minister Vajpayee. We are delighted."

He said that one of the sessions during the two-day deliberations would be totally dedicated to the terrorism issue with members from both sides speaking on "Democracies in fight against international terrorism".

Speaking about the UK-India Round Table discussions, he said it was set up in April 2000 to discuss the bilateral issues and draw up action plans to regenerate and strengthen bilateral relations.

"India is a very important partner for us and we are here to encourage our partnership," Lord Paul, the NRI (Non-Resident Indian) business magnate who apart from being the Business Ambassador of the UK also heads the London-based Caparo Group.