We are indeed heartened to notice the attitude of the two leaders towards the issues that have so far resisted amicable resolution. The two agreed to resolve all outstanding issues of mutual concern through 'free and frank' dialogues. Security concerns of both the countries will also come within the ambit of free and frank discussions. This invests the situation with a great deal of optimism and we welcome this development as a good start.

There are indeed several issues that need to be addressed with a sense of urgency if our relationship is to move forward from the state of stagnancy it has got stuck in. We should adopt an attitude de-linked from the past arid course that has led us nowhere worthy of mention. Hence, a fresh approach must be espoused and adopted so as to replace the hackneyed, barren ways of resolving issues. Misgivings on matters that relate to our genuine security interests as also all matters of concern, must be handled in a rational manner with a long-range vision rather than with narrow parochial mindsets.

It is our considered opinion that there should be forthright, transparent and constant exchanges of information on security issues. Procrastinating on them merely causes issues to be shelved, only temporarily before they fester again.

As of today there are several Indo-Bangladesh working groups that are supposed to meet at regular intervals. There is a need to reinvigorate these bodies and make them more result-oriented. This needs a flexible bent of mind and an attitude that does not betray the dominance of a big neighbour.

Nothing can be more welcome than the realisation in our leaders that it is not talking 'at each other', but talking 'to each other' that can solve issues between countries.