India-funded projects in Bangladesh will remain a priority under the new interim administration, a senior adviser confirmed on Tuesday. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the significance of these projects during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma in Dhaka, as reported by the state-run BSS news agency.

Ahmed emphasized that the ongoing initiatives, supported through India’s lines of credit, are crucial for Bangladesh’s development. "These are major projects, and we plan to continue them, considering their importance to our country," he stated. He also mentioned the possibility of taking on new, large-scale projects with Indian support.

His remarks come amidst concerns over the continuity of India-funded projects following the recent ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government after widespread protests. However, both Ahmed and Verma reassured that these initiatives would not be disrupted.

Verma confirmed that the Indian government had not halted any of its projects in Bangladesh. "These are significant undertakings, and work is ongoing. Contractors will soon return to continue the projects," he said.

Ahmed expressed gratitude for India's cooperation and looked forward to strengthening ties with New Delhi. He acknowledged that while there have been some delays in project disbursement, efforts were underway to resolve these issues.

The two sides also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, with Ahmed underscoring Bangladesh’s strong potential for investment and trade. He noted that India, as a close neighbor, plays a key role in the country’s economic landscape.

Addressing the trade imbalance between the two countries, Ahmed expressed optimism that it could be corrected. He said India had assured support for increasing exports of Bangladeshi products, which would benefit both nations.

In addition to trade, India offered to collaborate in areas such as science, technology, and research. Verma highlighted the progress on several ongoing projects and reiterated India's commitment to advancing its development cooperation with Bangladesh.

India has provided Bangladesh with three lines of credit, the first signed in 2010 for $862 million, followed by a $2 billion agreement in 2016 and a $4.5 billion credit line in 2017.