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British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) smiles during his Indian counterpart Atal Behari Vajpayee's address to the media in New Delhi today
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In New Delhi today Mr Blair welcomed India's support for the growing international coalition but was warned by his Indian counterpart Mr Atal Bihari the events of September 11th should not be seen in isolation.
Mr Blair had brief talks early this morning in New Delhi with Mr Bihari Vajpayee at the Indian Prime Minister’s official residence - the final lap his diplomatic trip.
During the talks Mr Vajpayee reminded the British Prime Minister of India's "virtually lone struggle against terrorism" over the last 20 years.
The British Prime Minister welcomed India's unspecified support for the coalition building against Osama bin Laden and Afghanistan's ruling Taliban regime; and spoke again of the possible shape of a future broad based Kabul government.
"I would like to thank your government for the very strong stand you have taken from the outset in the growing and strengthening coalition against terrorism in all its forms," Mr Blair said.
He said it was important that Afghanistan establish a stable government that represents a broad base of all ethnic groupings. "I think we can see very clearly that it's essential that we take action to bring to account those who perpetrated the events of September 11 and that we do so in a way that achieves two very clear objectives.
"Firstly that they are brought to justice and secondly that we do it in a way that's proportionate and targeted, and makes full allowance for the humanitarian consequences of the situation in Afghanistan.
"The people of Afghanistan are themselves victims of the Taliban," he said.
PA