Britain is considering taking part in India's moon mission Chandrayaan - 1.

"Talks are going on for UK's participation in India's moon mission," British High Commissioner Michael Arthur told reporters, while briefing about his country's Chief Scientific Advisor David King's January visit to India.

The Indian spacecraft may carry a UK component as one of the payload, he said.

The Moon Mission is slated for 2007-2008. The design of the spacecraft has been finalised.

He said the two countries are planning to step up cooperation in science and technology for which an Indo-UK Science and Innovation Council is likely to be set up.

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"David King has agreed in principle to set up the council. It is likely to go under the implementation stage by next April," he said.

The council is expected to have King, heads of research councils and the Royal Society, and representatives of Welcome Trust as members. India will be represented by the chief of the Scientific Advisory Council to the prime minister, representatives from various scientific departments and the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The cooperation is also likely to include civilian nuclear research and defence research, he said. Defence cooperation is likely to involve Hindustan Aeronautics Limited from the Indian side, the high commissioner added.