The “Look East” and “Act East” policies of India have transitioned into an Indo-Pacific policy and strategy phase. However, the conceptions of this policy in North-eastern and Eastern India are distinct from what we in the national capital understand as the “Indo-Pacific.”
Indo-pacific
- The Indo-Pacific is a geographical area that is understood differently by various nations.
- While the geography of the Indo-Pacific extends up to the west coast of India for the US and from the eastern coast of Africa to Oceania for India, this is also the geographic boundaries of the US Indo-Pacific command.
Importance of North-East
- India’s security: As it moves toward improved security circumstances and development, the Northeast, which consists of seven “sisters” or States and one “brother,” Sikkim, has undergone transformation.
- Biodiversity and geography As the geographical “gateway” for a large portion of India’s indigenous flora and fauna, the north-eastern Indian States are blessed with a diverse range of physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions.
- Only connecting link along the Siliguri Corridor: 3.8% of the country’s inhabitants reside in the North-East, which also makes up 8% of India’s total land area. The Siliguri corridor, sometimes referred to as the “chicken’s neck” in West Bengal, connects this area to the remainder of the country’s mainland.
Present condition
- Enhanced security: Since 2017, the state of security has greatly improved. However, the fundamental problems driving the insurgency continue to be unsolved.
- A significant non-traditional threat The authorities’ and other people’s opinions of security were noticeably different. According to the official line of thinking, insurgent activity, transnational border crime, smuggling, drug trafficking, and the influx of refugees (from Myanmar) constituted serious non-traditional threats.
- Chinese involvement in illegal activities: China was thought to be a “continuous participant” behind these illegal activities. The Assam Rifles and other security organisations have been forced to be vigilant and take stern action as a result.
- Sensitive border management: The insensitive treatment of individuals involved in legal transactions with neighbours. A fair assessment shows that there is plenty of room for future border management that is both functional and people-focused.
Development as priority in North East
- Increasing road infrastructure: The Northeast is headed in the right direction by focusing on economic growth. Roads connecting north-eastern communities will need to be improved, and thousands of graduates from nearby institutions will need jobs.
- Manipur should be promoted as a centre for medical tourism for neighbouring countries like Myanmar and other Indian States.
- The State’s research and development facilities to take use of the region’s biodiversity need to be developed. Improved management and more investment from Indian corporations and foreign investors are essential for accelerated development.
- A strategy for economic growth To help create a practical plan for utilising opportunities related to business, connectivity, and human capital development, the strategic and business community.
Conclusion
It is important to hear from people in eastern and northeastern India when putting India’s Indo-Pacific strategy into practice. Therefore, “Think and Relate East” lies beyond “Look East” and “Act East,” especially within our own nation.