What are the implications of 'Look-East' Policy on the north-eastern region of India?

Economic Implications

The Look-East/Act East Policy has significantly impacted the NER’s economy, primarily through enhanced trade and investment.

• Border Trade: Increased border trade with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other ASEAN countries through initiatives like the Moreh-Imphal-Tammu highway project. According to data from the Department of Commerce (as of 2022, knowledge cutoff), border trade through Moreh has seen a 30% increase since 2014.
• Infrastructure Development: Focus on improving infrastructure – roads, railways, airports – to facilitate connectivity. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, connecting Mizoram with Sittwe port in Myanmar, is a prime example.
• Investment Promotion: Efforts to attract investment in sectors like tourism, food processing, and handicrafts. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were proposed in the NER to boost manufacturing and exports.
• Tourism: Promotion of tourism, particularly eco-tourism and cultural tourism, leveraging the NER’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Social and Cultural Implications

The policy has fostered greater people-to-people contact and cultural exchange.

• Cultural Exchange Programs: Increased cultural exchange programs with ASEAN countries, promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
• Educational Opportunities: Scholarships and educational programs for students from the NER to study in ASEAN countries.
• Improved Healthcare Access: Collaboration in healthcare, including medical tourism and exchange of medical expertise.
• Reduced Isolation: The policy has helped reduce the sense of isolation among the people of the NER by connecting them with the wider Asian region.

Political and Strategic Implications

The policy has enhanced India’s strategic influence in the region and addressed security concerns in the NER.

• Counter-Insurgency Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and Bangladesh in combating insurgency and cross-border crime.
• Regional Connectivity: The NER’s strategic location has been leveraged to promote regional connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Act East Forum: The establishment of the Act East Forum in 2015 provides a platform for regular dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN countries.
• Strengthened Bilateral Ties: Improved bilateral relations with countries like Bangladesh, leading to better border management and reduced tensions.

Security Implications

The policy has had a complex impact on security in the NER.

• Reduced Insurgency: Cooperation with neighboring countries has contributed to a decline in insurgency in some parts of the NER.
• Cross-Border Crime: However, increased connectivity has also created opportunities for cross-border crime, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
• Refugee Issues: Political instability in Myanmar has led to an influx of refugees into the NER, posing humanitarian and security challenges.
• Border Disputes: Existing border disputes with neighboring countries remain a source of tension.

Dimension	Positive Implications	Negative Implications/Challenges
Economic	Increased trade, investment, infrastructure development, tourism	Uneven development, dependence on specific sectors, logistical bottlenecks
Social/Cultural	Greater people-to-people contact, cultural exchange, improved healthcare	Cultural homogenization, potential for social disruption
Political/Strategic	Enhanced regional influence, counter-insurgency cooperation, improved border management	Geopolitical competition, potential for external interference
Security	Reduced insurgency in some areas	Cross-border crime, refugee influx, border disputes