A game changer in India’s neighborhood policy in joining the South-East Asian nations (ASEAN) association with the Union will be on the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Triplate (IMTT) highway, which is currently challenged by internal conflict in Myanmar. Has gone, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said today.
India’s ‘Neberhood First’ policy has made significant progress as to whether it is in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal or Myanmar, he said, and gave an example of how the Kovid -19 epidemic sent vaccines to neighboring countries during India.
There has been a steady increase in relations between New Delhi and ASEAN, which should be carried forward by all concerned, Shri Jaishankar said in a session on ‘Act East, Act Fast and Act’ at the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati. .
“Myanmar status has stopped the IMTT highway project … We cannot allow it (Myanmar disturbance) to block a few moments. Practical solutions will be found to ensure the advancement of this initiative.”
By July 2023, at least 70 percent of the construction work on the IMTT highway was completed. The 1,400 km long highway will connect India to the land with Southeast Asia and promote trade, trade, health, education and tourism relations between the three countries.
The highway will connect to Moripur in Maipur in Thailand via Myanmar in Manipur.
No timelines have been given for the completion and operation of the tripartite highway. The strategic highway project has been delayed several times. Earlier, the government aimed to start the highway by December 2019.
Pleased to address the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 in Guwahati with CM @HimantabiswaAmbassador and Representative.
Talked about the commitment of the Modi government about the ‘Act East, Act Fast and Act’.
Highlight:
➡ Act East starts with Assam’s approach by Delhi … pic.twitter.com/p1kj1hofac
– Dr. S. Jaishankar (@drsjaishankar) 25 February, 2025
The ‘Neberhood First’ policy guides the management of India’s relations with countries in its immediate neighborhood.
“We have seen new roads, posts, rail links, waterways, power grids, fuel pipelines and transport facilities. There is a lot to come in the next years,” said Mr. Jaishankar.
Some quarters, however, see only problems instead of looking for solutions, but at the end of the day, regional development requires full heart cooperation, he said.
Both Japan and South Korea have emerged as important economic players in many regions in India, Shri Jaishankar said. Japan has given priority to development projects in the northeast in various fields, especially in increasing dynamics and educational exchange.
Malaysia and Thailand have liberalized visas for Indians and other ASEAN members have expanded air connectivity while education and skill development may also be domains for future support.
