Bangladesh, Jan. 2 -- Indias call for renewed “neighborliness” in South Asia has taken on added urgency as diplomatic frictions with Bangladesh unfold against a backdrop of political violence, contested elections, and shifting regional alignments. Speaking on January 2, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that Indias economic growth and regional stability are inseparable, arguing that prosperity in New Delhi will inevitably spill over to its neighbors. His remarks, however, come at a time when relations with Dhaka are under strain, raising questions about how Indias neighborhood-first rhetoric translates into practice amid crisis.

S Jaishankars comments were made as Bangladesh prepares for a pivotal national elect...