Connecting India’s East with the Indo-Pacific

Last Updated04/12/2022

Since 2018, India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies have moved into the phase of Indo-Pacific policy and strategy.
But what India interprets as the ‘Indo-Pacific’ is different from the perceptions of this policy in Northeastern and eastern India.

Absorbing and factoring in the perspectives of stakeholders: so that the Indo-Pacific policy can deliver better results.
Indo-Pacific conclaves: to continue a system of dialogue in the east.
Improving security conditions
Resolving insurgency: Has remained unresolved till now.
Need to accelerate the pace of development.
Addressing serious non-traditional threats: Eg.smuggling, drug trafficking, transnational border crime, insurgent activity, and refugees ( Myanmar).
Countering China: Viewed as a ‘constant player’ behind these nefarious activities.
Resolving the issue of insensitive handling: of those engaged in lawful exchanges with the neighbouring countries.
More effective and people-sensitive border management in the future.

Improvement in roads: linking northeastern towns
Job creation: for graduates produced by local universities.
Promoting Manipur as the hub of medical tourism: for other Indian States and neighbours such as Myanmar.
Expanding R&D facilities: to leverage the region’s biodiversity.
Increased investment: by Indian corporates and foreign investors.
Leveraging opportunities: relating to commerce, connectivity, and human capital development.
Expanding cultural diplomacy : beyond the Indo-Pacific
Expanding people-to-people cooperation: through greater educational exchanges, tourism, and trade.
Focus on “the geo-cultural dimension”: would lead to wider acceptance of the Indo-Pacific and consolidation of the Quad.

Growing significance of the Bay of Bengal: permeates the thinking of scholars.
Member-states need to invest more in the BIMSTEC to enhance its effectiveness.
Hearing Northeast and eastern voices: in implementing India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.