Myanmar: The Linchpin of India's Act East Connectivity

The Act East Policy: India's Strategic Initiative

The Act East policy is a strategic framework established by the Indian government aimed at enhancing economic, strategic, and cultural relations with Southeast Asian nations. This policy aims to bolster India's presence in the region while countering the influence of other global powers.

Key Objectives of the Act East Policy

• Economic Opportunities: Southeast Asia represents a vibrant and expanding economic zone.
• Strategic Importance: The region is pivotal for India's security and maritime interests.
• Cultural Links: India shares historical and cultural connections with several Southeast Asian countries.

Myanmar: A Crucial Geographic Link

Myanmar plays a vital role as a geographic bridge, connecting India with Southeast Asian nations. It stands as the only ASEAN nation sharing a land border with India, making it an essential hub for any land-based connectivity endeavors between India and Southeast Asia.

How Myanmar Facilitates Regional Access

• Providing India access to the broader ASEAN market.
• Facilitating trade and investment opportunities.

Significant Connectivity Projects Involving Myanmar

Several key projects underscore Myanmar's strategic role in fostering connectivity:

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMTT)

This road project connects Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar, aiming to boost trade and transportation among the three nations. However, security issues in Myanmar have caused significant delays.

Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project

This initiative links India's eastern seaboard to its northeastern states through Myanmar. It involves shipping goods to Myanmar's Sittwe port and then transporting them via river and road to Mizoram in India. Security issues have also impacted this project.

Trans-Asian Railway (TAR)

A UNESCAP initiative, the Trans-Asian Railway aims to develop a rail network across Asia. Myanmar is integral to the proposed Southern Corridor of the TAR, which seeks seamless rail-based freight and passenger movement. Challenges include high costs and regional instability.

Rail Connectivity Expansion

The goal here is to extend the Indian rail network through Myanmar to Thailand and other ASEAN countries, thus enhancing freight and passenger movement. However, this faces challenges such as missing rail links and the need for infrastructure upgrades.

Major Challenges to Connectivity

The development of connectivity projects faces several obstacles:

• Security Issues: Ongoing conflicts and instability in Myanmar disrupt construction and progress.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Myanmar's existing infrastructure, especially its rail network, requires significant upgrades.
• Financial Constraints: Building and maintaining infrastructure demands substantial investment.
• Geopolitical Factors: Competing interests and regional rivalries can inhibit cooperation.
• China's Influence: The Belt and Road Initiative presents competition and strategic implications.

The Importance of Rail Transport

Railways offer numerous benefits:

• Efficient Transport: Railways enable the movement of large volumes of goods and people, reducing transportation time and costs.
• Economic Integration: Rail connectivity stimulates trade, investment, and industrial growth.
• Regional Connectivity: Railways promote seamless travel and trade across borders, fostering regional integration.
• Environmental Benefits: Rail transport is generally more eco-friendly than road transport.

The Bigger Picture

India's Act East policy and its connectivity projects with Myanmar are part of a larger effort to fortify its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives are vital for India's economic growth, security, and strategic objectives. The successful implementation of the Act East policy relies heavily on resolving challenges within Myanmar, underlining its role as a linchpin in India's regional strategy.