Prince Charles, who is on a nine-day visit to India, on Thursday called on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and discussed Indo-British ties with him.

The 20-minute meeting, held at the prime minister's office in Parliament House, was described as a courtesy call.

Prince Charles in India: The Complete Coverage

The prince also took a break from his political engagements and met some commoners.

He visited 'Anugriha', a shelter for homeless women, and watched a play by street children.

The women of Anugriha welcomed in true Indian style and the prince greeted them with a namaste.

He went around the shelter and posed for photographs with the women.

Asked by a woman how he found India, he said he liked it "very much".

The prince then saw a mime, 'Jhalak Patri Ki', presented by a group of children.

The function was organised by Action Aid India, a non-governmental organisation fighting urban poverty.

The heir to the British throne honoured five community development leaders for contribution to the society.