Anyway, mere recognition of Bangladesh's anxieties will not be enough when the issue entails a life-and-death question for her. India has agreed to inform Bangladesh in advance about diversion of water flow of common rivers from northeastern India to her water-scarce south-west. A co-riparian's right to information has been acceded to, however belatedly. This is welcomed. We are eagerly awaiting a recognition of Bangladesh's right to equitable share of waters of all common rivers in a concrete form, though.

India has been at pains to explain that the river inter-link project is at conceptual and pre-feasibility study stages. Bangladesh obviously would not like it to be a fait accompli -- that's where her deeper concern lies. Her interests need to be protected as those of other co-riparian states, including Nepal and Bhutan. India seems aware of the necessity for consulting all neighbouring countries judging by what Suresh Prabhu, the head of the task force for examining the project said to the Calcutta daily The Statesman.

The JRC meet occasioned a free and candid discussion on all points of discord thereby taking the water discourse significantly forward. Bangladesh has placed on record its objections to the Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Multipurpose High Dam proposed to be constructed at the confluence of Barak and Tuivai rivers in Manipur. Water diversion from Barak will negatively impact on water flow patterns in the Surma and the Kushiara in Sylhet and thence in the Meghna.

As for sharing the waters of Teesta and six other common rivers along the lines of the Ganges water sharing accord, India takes a long-term view of the issue emphasising that expert investigations would be needed before that could be considered.

Let's not forget, the most tangible achievement in New Delhi has been the revival of the JRC forum after two years and nine months since the last meet was held under the instrument. Here on, we can only expect the water discourse to be carried forward.