ACT EAST POLICY AND INDIA’S NORTHEAST: A GATEWAY TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

Abstract

In India’s Act East Policy, the northeast region has come to assume a significant place because of its geographical contiguity with Southeast Asia and East Asia and age old socio-cultural, economic and historical linkages with the region. In addition to this, huge reserves of natural resources, hot biodiversity and abundant water resources in the region coupled with long history of active cross-border trade with neighbouring countries since pre-independence period adds to its significance. The Act East Policy renders special relevance to the development of its North-Eastern region since the North-East region of India could play a crucial role in the success of the Policy by serving as a gateway to the South-east Asian region. Through Act East Policy, the North East region of India, which hitherto remained isolated with no proper strategy for inclusive growth and development, can be brought to the path of development.