The signing of agreements and MoUs should not necessarily be the only yardstick to measure the success of a foreign visit. Some diplomatic visits are also aimed at building confidence and improving atmospherics. External affairs minister K. Natwar Singh's just-concluded Bangladesh visit should be viewed in this perspective. The high-profile visit may not have resulted in the resolution of all outstanding disputes, but it has certainly helped in reducing tension and removing rancour which had bedevilled the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Dhaka. Over the past two years, relations between the two South Asian neighbours have steadily deteriorated. The tension had even led to sporadic border skirmishes between the BSF and the BDR. Dhaka's constant disregard for New Delhi's sensitivities about the Northeast's insurgent groups finding shelter in Bangladesh, aggravated matters. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's last-minute refusal to attend the Saarc Summit in Dhaka soured relations even further. The external affairs minister's charm offensive, therefore, was clearly aimed at repairing damage, removing mistrust and winning Dhaka's confidence. He seems to have succeeded in achieving all these objectives. During his talks with his Bangladesh counterpart M. Morshed Khan, a wide range of issues like border disputes, infiltration, water-sharing, cross-border terrorism and trade imbalance came in for detailed discussions.

The two agreed on joint border patrolling and finalisation of an extradition treaty. It is true that irritants still exist over several issues like illegal immigration, presence of terrorist camps in Bangla territory and trade imbalance. But it would be both unrealistic and unfair to expect the resolution of all outstanding disputes in just one round of talks. What is important is that Mr Singh's visit has created an environment which would facilitate future dialogues. The Bangladesh foreign minister very rightly pointed out that neighbours would always have problems. But these problems should not be allowed to result in mutual acrimony and hostility. Both sides clearly understood this fundamental truth about harmonious neighbourly coexistence. The Indian proposal for high-level bilateral visits will also go a long way in removing irritants and cementing ties. Mr Singh's visit has also set the stage for a Manmohan Singh-Khaleda Zia meeting either in Dhaka or New Delhi.