The fate of Pakistani and Sri Lankan leaders is a timely reminder that while good economics may not always be enough to get leaders re-elected, poor economics can hasten their political exit even if they have illustrious surnames.

Resuming trade and discussing economic cooperation does not mean that India and Pakistan have to give up on their core negotiating issues. All it means is that those issues can be taken up separately while trade can continue.

The currency swap arrangement between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh seems to be the first time that any country other than India has provided macroeconomic support to another South Asian country.