Strong bond of friendship

World Bank President Robert Zoellick will be in India later this month on a farewell tour and he will, of course, be meeting all the appropriate people. But an unexpected stop on his itinerary is Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who will also host a reception for Zoellick. Apparently, Ramesh and Zoellick struck a rapport after the World Bank agreed to support several crucial rural development programmes. They are now good friends. No, this does not mean Ramesh aspires to be Zoellick’s successor.