India’s Act East Policy and Manipur: Connectivity and Strategic Significance

Author(s): Dr. Biswajit Choudhury, Dr. Navaneeta Deori and Mayur Krishna Saikia

Abstract:

Manipur, situated in the north eastern part of India holds a strategic value within the framework of India’s Act East Policy (AEP). It shares a common border with Myanmar and is a crucial gateway for enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration with the South East Asian Countries. In the border areas many of the communities have cultural and ethnic ties with communities across the border, the ethnic upsurge, socio-political unrest, and border insecurities have significantly disrupted status-quo of the region. These developments have not only hindered infrastructure projects and cross-border trade but have also deepened internal divisions. This article critically examines Manipur’s strategic role in the AEP. The article attempts to assess the present infrastructural developments in the region and explores the challenges they encounter. In doing so, it highlights the roadblocks that Manipur has experienced while advancing its goal for improving its road connectivity that propels towards Act East Policy.

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Pages: 105-110     |    2 View     |    0 Download