India's growing focus on its Northeast region under the Act East Policy is setting the stage for enhanced collaboration with neighboring Southeast Asian nations. During his speech at the Assam Advantage Summit 2.0, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the mutual support provided by India and Southeast Asia as both regions work toward greater progress.
Jaishankar stated, "With India’s recovery and rejuvenation, it is natural to focus more on the East." He added, "We are not only correcting past mistakes but also laying the foundations to explore new opportunities. This is precisely what Prime Minister Modi aims to achieve with the 'Act East Policy' which brings new energy and resources for infrastructure, employment, skills, and development in these regions. Only when the Northeast and East reach their full potential can we advance our quest for 'Barakhamba' (shared prosperity)."
Central to Jaishankar's message was the significant progress achieved under India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy since 2014, particularly with countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. He emphasized the construction of new roads, checkpoints, rail links, water corridors, power networks, fuel pipelines, and transit facilitation as tangible outcomes of India's diplomatic engagement.
Highlighting the deepening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jaishankar remarked, "Over the past three decades, our deepening connections have led to mutual benefits across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, and security." This sentiment was echoed by the multiple high-level visits from leaders of ASEAN countries to India within the last year, reinforcing India's commitment to strengthening these partnerships.
Significantly, Jaishankar called for the urgent review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIG) to boost economic relationships and facilitate smoother movement across borders, emphasizing the importance of reducing trade barriers. He identified rapidly developing fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green shipping, and green hydrogen as key areas for future cooperation.
Appreciation for recent steps taken by Malaysia and Thailand to ease visa requirements for Indian citizens was noted positively, as enhanced air connectivity among ASEAN members has facilitated travel and commerce. He underscored the potential for educational cooperation and skills development, which are indispensable for fostering long-term benefits for both India and Southeast Asia.
Jaishankar underscored the potential of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway as a significant regional connectivity project, recognizing challenges stemming from political unrest in Myanmar but urging continued commitment to advancing this initiative. He highlighted Southeast Asia's vast population, estimated at around 700 million with a combined GDP of approximately $4.25 trillion, as pivotal partners for India.
Alongside strategic cooperation, Jaishankar reaffirmed the importance of the Bay of Bengal, tying it intricately to the Act East Policy. "We sought to engage with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) within this framework. Indeed, BIMSTEC is where the Act East Policy meets the Neighborhood First Policy. We completed its charter in 2022 and are currently preparing for the upcoming summit soon," he elaborated.
India's aspirations extend broader with aspirations to fortify ties with Japan and South Korea, both recognized as significant economic players. Jaishankar acknowledged the pivotal role of the East Asia Forum, focusing on development projects within Northeast India, particularly aiming to improve connectivity and training.
On India’s strategic eastern engagement, Jaishankar placed emphasis on Australia's growing importance through increased political and security collaborations outlined under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), entwining both nations together, particularly vis-à-vis the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
The forthcoming visit of the European Union delegation to India was also highlighted, with discussions expected to center around India’s engagement with the Pacific—intrinsically tied to India’s Act East Policy, linking the Indian Ocean with the Pacific region.
Focusing on Northeast India, Jaishankar pointed to significant advancements over the last decade concerning infrastructure and connectivity, rendering the area more business-friendly and creating mutual opportunities. He emphasized how the strategic location of the Northeast enhances its economic and geopolitical significance as India moves forward with its Act East strategy, playing a pivotal role connecting India to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and ASEAN nations.
Jaishankar’s remarks underline the immense potential of the Northeast as not just India's gateway to Southeast Asia but as a region poised to thrive economically and strategically under the Act East Policy, reinforcing India's commitment to fostering greater regional connectivity and collaboration.