External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his British counterpart Margaret Beckett held "constructive discussions" on a wide range of bilateral and global issues, including counter-terrorism, climate change and enhancement of the already robust economic ties between the two countries.

"Bilateral relationship has never been better. Our relationship has been underpinned by strong business ties," Beckett, who is currently on a six-day visit to India, told reporters at a joint press interaction with Mukherjee.

This is Beckett's first visit to India and her first to Asia after becoming the first woman foreign minister of the UK following a cabinet reshuffle in May this year.

It is also her longest overseas trip as foreign minister, a measure of India's importance in British foreign policy. Before leaving London, Beckett said relations between the countries had never been better.

Beckett will call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and meet Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Home Minister Shivraj Patil later in the day.

Describing India and Britain as "natural partners," she stressed on new steps taken by the two countries in sharing information to avert terrorist attacks on mass transit system.

Stressing on "historical strong relations" between India and Britain, Mukherjee said as both countries were "victims of terrorism," they would further enhance their ongoing cooperation in countering terrorism - "the biggest menace to world peace in post Cold War world".