India likely to offer USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for defence exports

India is likely to offer USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for defence exports from the country during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit beginning Friday.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali had earlier on Tuesday said that 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Hasina's official visit to New Delhi.

Addressing the media here ahead of the visit, Mahmood said that it will be aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.

Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are also among the issues likely to be discussed.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour 1,661 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.

When asked about the defence agreements and possibility of a breakthrough on the Teesta water sharing agreement, Ali said that he would not go into specifics, but added that everything would be done in a transparent manner.