Abstract: Process for the preparation of anti-ischemic and anti-hypertensive drug amlodipine besylate [2-{(2-aminoethoxy)-methyl-4-(2-chlorophenyl) 3-ethoxy carbonyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine} benzene sulphonate]. Phthalic anhydride is condensed with monoethanol amine at 150-190° C. The resulting N-(2-hydroxyethyl) phthalimide is coupled with 4-chloroethyl acetoacetate in the presence of sodium hydride in an organic solvent in an inert atmosphere at −11 to −15° C. Ethyl-4-[-2(phthalimido) ethoxy] acetoacetate formed is coupled with orthochloro benzaldehyde in the presence of pyridine salt at 70-90° C. Ethyl-2-(2-chloro benzylidine)4-[-2(phthalimido) ethoxy] acetoacetate fanned is condensed with methyl amino crotonate at 20-40° C.