Pankaj calls for patience to see any change in Indian foreign policy

The Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka said it would take a while to know whether Indian foreign policy changes if BJP forms the government under the leadership of Narendra Modi, reports UNB.

"The results of the election will be published on May 16-17. If Modi comes to power then we have to wait for a couple of days to see what type of foreign policy his government adopts," High Commissioner Pankaj Saran said Wednesday.

He made the comment while replying to a question from a reporter after a meeting with Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal at his office, says a planning ministry press release.

Mr Pankaj said India placed high importance to its relationship with Bangladesh.

"This relation is very much important for the prosperity of the two countries. I believe that the relation in the sense of economy, commerce and investment will improve gradually," he said.

He said, "New Delhi is keen to boost economic and trade relations with Dhaka by keeping in touch with the planning ministry. This ministry is very much important for formulating economic planning."

"I am hopeful that the Indian government will provide Tk 16 billion for construction of Padma Bridge,' the planning minister said.

He urged India to invest in Bangladesh's power sector.

"Both the governments believe in the development of economy. I know that India is aware of the demand of Bangladesh. So the Indian investment in Bangladesh should increase in the coming days."

Saran said Dhaka and New Delhi have decided to invest US$ 794 million in 15 projects from the $1.0 billion-line of credit India has provided to Bangladesh.

He said the credit comprises US$ 800 million in loan and $200 million in grant.