Indian State Minister for External Affairs arrives today

Indian State Minister for External Affairs Ajit Panja arrives here today on a three-day official visit.

It will be the first visit by an Indian leader since the BJP-led coalition government bounced back to power. Ajit Panja, who is a former Central Information Minister will be received by his Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hasan Chowdhury. The two will hold official talks this afternoon.

Transshipment of goods and opening of multi-modal communication links is expected to top the agenda. Expansion of bilateral trade is also expected to figure in the discussion.

Diplomatic sources said the visit will be 'very important' as several key bilateral issues will be discussed. Talks on opening of rail links between the two countries are also expected to be held.

The Indian minister will make a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He will also call on Finance Minister SAMS Kibria, Industries Minister Tofail Ahmed and Agriculture Minister Motia Chowdhury.

The visiting dignitary's other schedules include visit to the National Memorial at Savar, a fisheries farm owned by a minister at Gazipur and the Bangabandhu Museum.

The Indian minister would leave Dhaka on January 22.