Parties in talks to end violent protests over a factory in eastern India, designed to manufacture the world's cheapest car, have expressed optimism.

The Marxist government of West Bengal state says it is hopeful of reaching a deal with farmers and opposition parties.

The protesters claim farmers were forcibly evicted by the state government to make way for the car plant and are demanding a return of land.

The government is offering a package that will help all farmers whose land was acquired.

Tata Motors, India's largest car maker and the company at the centre of the protest, did not attend the talks.

Last month the company warned that it would move the plant out of West Bengal if the demonstrations continued.

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