Cover interview: C Raja Mohan
Manmohan-Hasina: When Sheikh Hasina and Manmohan Singh came in from elections in 2008 and 2009, respectively, both were forward-looking, seeking to do something for the bilateral relationship. The memorandum they signed is a substantive text, covering the full spectrum from boundary delineations to transit issues.
Bangladesh goodwill: The goodwill shown by Bangladesh in facilitating the capture of Arabinda Rajkhowa made a dramatic difference in India's stance. Analysts in the neighbouring countries tend to pooh-pooh India's security concerns, saying that they represent mere tactics to browbeat the neighbours. But there was genuine Indian concern about infiltration from Bangladesh, and once that matter was addressed by Dhaka, New Delhi responded with an immediate, enormous gesture.
Indian commitment: On the Indian side, there is goodwill and commitment to do as agreed, but the problem is to make the bureaucracy move. There are so many arms of the state to take along, from the water bureaucracy to the state governments and the security agencies. So there is a danger that this window of opportunity between India and Bangladesh might close.