Dhaka, Dec. 12 -- A few weeks ago, I joined a live TV conversation with an Indian journalist known for his expertise on Bangladesh. He has even written a novel about the 1971 Liberation War. Our back-and-forth focused on India's decision to host Bangladesh's ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

"She represents the bond we created together in 1971, through blood and tears," he said. "India believes ousting her is a betrayal of that spirit."

I asked him: How long must we remain stuck in 1971 to define our relationship?

In response, he recalled a conversation he once had with an Indian general who had fought in the war. "We did not just help Bangladesh," the general told him. "We made Bangladesh in fourteen days. We broke Pakistan in two...