Brown offers $1.6 billion to India, supports India's bid for UNSC seat

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has offered US$1.6 billion for India's development programs. The amount will be distributed over the next three years. Brown is currently on a state visit to India with a large delegations of business tycoons from the UK. He would be given a ceremonial welcome in Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday. Besides meeting President Pratibha Patil and PM Manmohan Singh, Brown is expected to meet other important leaders.

In a significant development, Brown has supported India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Brown and his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh are expected to discuss terrorism including the issue of terror financing. They will also discuss the present situation in Pakistan, besides focusing on improving the economic ties.