The North-East, home to 3.8% of India’s population, occupies 8% of the total geographical area, and is important with 5,300km of international borders. Ever since India transformed its “Look East” policy to “Act East”, there have been continuous efforts to make this relationship result oriented and practical. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also proposed the augmentation of air connectivity to and from the region, which will help business ties with the Asean. Japan has emerged as a major partner in our efforts for the development of the North-East and connectivity to Asean. It might help to develop a collective focus on inter-state boundary disputes and other ethnic conflicts within the North-East states, and also a common approach towards enhancing connectivity and trade facilitation with Asean.

Source: Mint March 09, 2018 01:18 UTC