Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Friday sent out clear signals to Indian banks to go for mega-mergers, saying they should "think big and act globally."

Expressing happiness that banks have begun talking to one another for M&A, he said the government "will not force anyone (banks) for merger or alliance but will bless the marriage (merger) if it comes through".

"Think big and act globally and by 2010 I want Indian banks accepted globally on par with international banks," Chidambaram said inaugurating the new corporate office of Dena Bank at the Bandra-Kurla complex in Mumbai.

Public sector banks can also look at private banks if they are suitable candidates, Chidambaram said.

He said size was important along with efficiency and each one should become a powerhouse by itself. "Once consolidation takes place, I want to see at least three-four of Indian banks among the top 100 banks in the world", he added.

The finance minister said big banks were also necessary to take Indian companies globally.

He said the Reserve Bank of India was putting in place guidelines to have a level playing field for Indian and foreign banks.