Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Mamata’s mature move” (May 30). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dhaka for the signing of the historic land boundary agreement with Bangladesh, shows her maturity and ability to rise above politics in the national interest. The deal will be a shot in the arm for India-Bangladesh relations. India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s fight for independence. The Sheikh Hasina regime is the most India-friendly Government Dhaka has had. During her rule, anti-India activities of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, and other groups from Bangladeshi soil, have been checked effectively. Dhaka has nabbed many North-East militants and handed them over to India.
The Modi-Mamata visit to Dhaka ought to have led to another historical agreement between the two countries — on the Teesta River water-sharing. But that will have to wait. Meanwhile, Mr Modi deserves credit for promoting federalism.