"Intensified engagement" will lie at the heart of British foreign policy, according to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague.

Speaking in advance of his first major speech since taking office, Mr Hague told the Today programme that "a successful economic policy is the foundation of a successful foreign policy" and that he wants to build new links with countries including India, China, Brazil and the Gulf States "where the real economic action has been taking place".

And he announced that David Cameron, together with a wide range of cabinet ministers, is to visit India in the near future.

Turning to Afghanistan, he said the military surge was continuing and the pressure on the Taliban to talk would increase but that some British troops may stay in the country to train Afghan forces beyond 2015.

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