The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

India offered technical support for setting up broad-gauge railway tracks on major railway routes, modernizing Syedpur railway workshop and capital dredging in major rivers in Bangladesh.

The issues were discussed during Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni's meetings with her Indian counterpart SM Krishna and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi last Thursday.

Prime Minister's Adviser HT Imam was also present in the meetings, seen as important interactions at high levels following the installation of new governments in both the neighboring countries.

Diplomatic sources said Adviser Imam had a separate meeting with Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi Friday. Indian Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee also joined the meeting when these issues were discussed.

The sources said India's assistance would now depend on formal proposals from the Bangladesh government.

When contacted, Enamul Huq Chowdhury, Minister (Press) in Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, told UNB that the Foreign Minister is likely to make another visit later this month or early next month to hold formal talks with Krishna on bilateral issues.

Dipu Moni made a stopover in the Indian capital Thursday on her way to Colombo to attend the 4th SAARC ministerial meeting on children affairs.

This brief flying visit is seen as "groundwork" for the upcoming bilateral talks aimed at updating the entire gamut of Indo-Bangladesh relations in the changed context.