Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- The bonhomie in clear display during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's meeting last week with Indian Premier Narenda Modi gave reasons for Bangladesh to feel pleased. India is Bangladesh's largest- and most powerful - neighbor. On many major issues, from national security to water-sharing to onions, Bangladesh remains dependent on this 'big brother'. While both sides have gone out of their way to stress their sovereign equality, not many people would buy stocks based on this proclaimed principle.

Government leaders in both capitals have expressed their satisfaction at the outcome of the visit. The joint communique issued at the end of the visit stresses in no uncertain terms the desire for both countries to cont...