Joint Press Conference with Indian Prime Minister (Rajiv Gandhi)
| Document type: | Speeches, interviews, etc. |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Outside No.10 Downing Street |
| Source: | BBC Radio News Report 1800 14 October 1985 |
| Journalist: | Michael Vestey, BBC, reporting |
| Editorial comments: | The two leaders spoke briefly to the press after ninety minutes of talks, 1530-1700. MT’s next engagement was at 1715. |
| Importance ranking: | Minor |
| Word count: | 180 |
| Themes: | Commonwealth (South Africa), Trade, Foreign policy (Asia) |
After two-hours of talks, both leaders emerged from Number Ten and made brief statements. Mr. Gandhi had this to say:
Gandhi
“We've had wide-ranging talks mainly on bilateral issues. We'll continue tomorrow.”
Vestey
And Mrs. Thatcher said India was the greatest democracy in the world, an extremely important country and Britain valued her friendship. The talks, she said, had been warm, friendly and constructive and would continue tomorrow. The talks covered various aircraft and trade deals that had been under discussion for some time. Other Government Ministers have joined the deliberations. Britain is hoping to sell Westland helicopters and Sea Harriers to India and Rajiv Gandhi, a pilot himself, has been closely involved in all negotiations. Mr. Gandhi also wants Britain to adopt a tougher attitude towards South Africa by introducing economic sanctions, something the Government is reluctant to do.