India has Britain's support for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, according to top UK diplomat Sir Rob Young.

Sir Rob, Britain's High Commissioner in New Delhi, told Indian journalists in London: "We believe India should take her rightful place on the international stage as symbolic of India's importance in global affairs.

"There is no single subject of international affairs that is not of interest to both governments.

"I see valuable concurrence of Indian and UK interests worldwide. India is developing as a global power with global interests and is engaging across a wide range of issues."

Sir Rob is described by colleagues at the foreign office as one of Britain's most successful envoys to India. He was appointed in 1998 after bilateral ties plunged following a controversial visit by Queen Elizabeth to India and a series of Indian nuclear tests.

Describing his term as a 'fascinating, rewarding and satisfying experience', he said, "I do believe there is sufficiently strong commitment at top and a depth of shared interests to ensure that bilateral relations will continue to flourish."

After pointing out that annual bilateral trade is now worth more than £5 billion, Sir Rob said there is ample scope for bilateral collaboration on regional issues in Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

On Indo-Pak ties, Sir Rob said the peace initiative by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is very welcome. He described it as 'bold, courageous and so far bearing fruit'.

Sir Rob will retire from New Delhi and the diplomatic service in October. But he will be returning to India from time to time to participate in the work of a local charity, the Calcutta Tercentenary Trust.