"We have to change South Asia's image and standing in the world. We must make the bold transition from mistrust to trust, from discord to concord and from tension to peace," Vajpayee urged his neighbours.

"Our forefathers fought side by side transcending religious, regional and linguistic differences against the colonial oppressor in the first war of independence in 1857," he said.

Perhaps India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, he suggested, could together celebrate the 150th anniversary of that uprising 'in remembrance of our joint struggle against a common adversary'.

Vajpayee and the other heads of government.

Also see: Welcoming the 'enemy'

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