Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has lauded the contribution of the World Bank in India's development. Talking to the World Bank Group President, Robert B. Zoellick in New Delhi, Mr Mukherjee appreciated the Bank's support during the last financial crisis. He also commended the major achievements of President Zoellick, and thanked him for his special efforts in increasing engagement of the Bank with India. The Finance Minister said that India still needs large investments for infrastructure as well as for tackling poverty and in addition to securing long tenure development funds from the Bank. Mr. Zoellick said that the Bank will seek to offer India additional financing to help overcome poverty and seize the opportunities ahead. He said his primary aim to visit India was to thank the Government and its people for their partnership and friendship. Mr. Zoellick added that he also wanted to lay the groundwork to ensure the momentum of the Bank's engagement with India continues in the future.