In the first-ever visit by a serving US Federal Reserve chief to the country, Ben Bernanke said that India is becoming an important player on the global stage.

“India is becoming more and more important player on the global stage in the G20 context and in terms of its role in the global economy,” Bernanke said.

The US Fed chief is on a two-day visit to the country. He, accompanied by US Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, met top officials of the Reserve Bank of India. On Tuesday, Bernanke and Geithner held a meeting with top officials, including the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

“I think it is very useful for us to exchange ideas and build a base for future co-operation,” Bernanke said.

He also discussed with the Reserve Bank of India’s top management, policy challenges in both the United States and India.

Among other topics discussed were global economy, monetary policy and banking issues that both countries have mutual interest in.

satyanarayan.iyer@thehindu.co.in

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