<span style="color: #222222;">The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masatsugu Asakawa has said that despite the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, India remains the fastest-growing major economy with expected seven per cent growth in the current fiscal. Mr Asakawa met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Tuesday. This is Mr Asakawa's maiden visit to India since taking over as the President, of ADB in 2020. <br />''<br />''Mr Asakawa also complimented Mrs Sitharaman for India's G-20 Presidency and conveyed ADB's support for various initiatives India has taken under its G-20 Presidency. He welcomed the Finance Minister's prioritisation of Green Growth in the Union Budget 2023-2024. He also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for mission LiFE connecting individuals to the cause of the environment.<br />''<br />''During the meeting, Finance Minister Mrs Sitharaman acknowledged the swift response and support provided by ADB to all its developing member countries, including India, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciated Asian Development Bank's support to India's G-20 Presidency priorities both in the Sherpa and FinanceTrack. <br />''<br />''Mrs Sitharaman suggested to Mr Asakawa that ADB may attune its priorities to the Government of India's vision for Amrit Kaal, and initiatives like Energy Transition, PM Gati Shakti, Logistics Policy, Industrial Corridors, Climate Change Adaptation, Health and Skill India.<br />''<br />''The Asian Development Bank President informed Mrs Sitharaman that following the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ADB has set up the secretariat for South Asia Sub Regional Economic Co-operation (SASEC) in ADB's India office.</span><br />