A new troika for India’s northeast region

Source- The post is based on the article “A new troika for India’s northeast region” published in “The Hindu” on 24th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance– Regional cooperation for development of northeast

News– Recently, the third India-Japan Intellectual Dialogue was hosted by the Asian Confluence (ASCON), in Agartala. It showed that the current decade may produce path-breaking changes in the northeast, bringing the troika of Bangladesh, India and Japan closer.

What is the current scenario of the northeastern region?

The region comprising India’s eight northeastern States is undergoing dramatic change. It has overcome several security challenges. It is now heading toward economic development. Political changes have been helpful.

There is extensive web of linkages with neighbouring Bangladesh. Japan has emerged as a significant development partner for both India and Bangladesh.

What are some facts about Matarbari Deep Sea Port?

It is an important project on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. It is being constructed with Japanese assistance and is scheduled to be operational in 2027.

A recent ASCON study envisages this port to be “a game changer”.

The long-term vision is for Bangladesh and the northeast to become a hub and key industrial corridor of this region.

What are the steps needed for the development of the northeastern region?

Increased connectivity of roads and railways is important. But it is not enough without the creation of regional industrial value chains. Hence, rapid industrialisation in the sectors where the northeast enjoys competitive advantage assumes significance.

Roads and ports must be accompanied by job opportunities. It can come only from new industrial enterprises.

The northeast is blessed with vast natural resources. Its strategic location is an asset. There is a need to create value chains and manufacture products across diverse sectors. These include agro-processing, man-made fibers, handicrafts, assembly of two-wheelers, mobile phones, and pharmaceuticals.

What is the way forward for regional cooperation in the northeast region?

Japan as a single investor in the northeast is unworkable. Indian companies too must invest. India must ease restrictions on the flow of investments from Bangladesh. The three governments should have closer economic cooperation.

India needs to facilitate the better connectivity of Bangladesh with other neighbours. India can assist Bangladesh in becoming an integral part of the Act East Policy by doing so.

When issues of regional cooperation and integration are discussed, BIMSTEC is neglected. This must change. The group must progress towards its vision of establishing the Bay of Bengal Community.

Second, the goal of connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia requires strong efforts. This leadership can come from the triad of Bangladesh, India and Japan (BIJ). A BIJ Forum should be launched first at the level of Foreign Ministers.