India-Bangladesh ties to strengthen after post-election stability: Jaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said New Delhi expects its relations with Bangladesh to grow stronger once political normalcy is restored through elections, underscoring India’s broader vision of regional cooperation and stability.

Speaking at an event in Chennai on January 2, Jaishankar referred to his recent visit to Dhaka and said India wished Bangladesh well as it moves toward elections, expressing confidence that improved stability would help reinforce neighbourly ties, the Hindustan Times reported. He noted that many countries in South Asia increasingly recognise India’s economic growth as a 'rising tide' that can generate opportunities across the region.
'That was the message I also took to Bangladesh,' Jaishankar said, adding that New Delhi believes stronger regional relations naturally follow political stability and democratic processes. He stressed that India’s engagement with its neighbours is driven by practical cooperation rather than ideology.
Jaishankar drew a clear line between what he described as 'good neighbours' and 'bad neighbours,' saying India extends support and assistance to countries that pursue cooperative and peaceful relations. He cited India’s vaccine outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency financial and humanitarian support to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis as examples of this approach.
At the same time, the minister said India would firmly protect its national security interests, reserving the right to act against neighbours that continue to sponsor or tolerate terrorism. He emphasised that New Delhi’s policy decisions are guided by 'common sense and national interest.'
Jaishankar travelled to Dhaka on December 31 to represent the Indian government at events marking the death of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, a visit widely seen as a signal of diplomatic outreach amid strained bilateral relations in recent months.
Responding to questions about how India is recalibrating its “Neighbourhood First” policy amid political and security changes in Bangladesh, Jaishankar said diplomacy should be viewed in a broader regional context. He highlighted long-term cooperation in areas such as power connectivity, transport corridors, waterways, ports, trade, tourism and medical travel as the foundation of India’s engagement with neighbouring countries.
'Diplomacy is not rocket science,' he said, 'it is common sense expressed in polished language.'