India's "Act East" Policy and Northeast India: Prospects and Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53469/jssh.2024.6(10).27Keywords:
eastward engagement, ‘gateway to the east’, development, transnational approach, neighbourhood policyAbstract
An important feature of India’s eastward engagement is the role and significance of India’s Northeast region. The significance of the Northeast region for India’s eastward engagement comes from its geographical proximity and socio - cultural linkages with India’s eastern neighbours, providing ample scope and opportunities for promoting economic integration and connectivity, besides enhancing socio - cultural engagements. Realising this potential, the role and participation of Northeast India came to be emphasised as a crucial component of the Look East Policy. With the transition from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ Policy since 2014, the role and significance of Northeast India in India’s eastward engagement has been given added emphasis. Despite its tremendous potential, the Northeast region is beset with problems and challenges such as underdevelopment, political instability and poor governance, which have hindered the unlocking of the full potential of the region. There is also participation deficit of the region in the formulation and execution of India’s ‘neighbourhood policy. ’ In order to transform the potential of the region into reality, there is a need for ensuring the effective participation and integration of the Northeast region in the “Act East” Policy.
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