ISAS Insights

In his recent budget speech, India’s Finance Minister P Chidambaram said: “Combining the Look East Policy and the interest of the Northeastern states, I propose to seek the assistance of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to build roads in the Northeastern states and connect them to Myanmar”.2 Prior to this, New Delhi had expressed interest in building the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, which would go a long way in the economic integration of India’s Northeast with Southeast and East Asia. This may, however, be a while in the making; and the benefits that would accrue to India’s Northeast from such projects are yet to be articulated. If implemented, Mr Chidambaram’s plan could have a significant impact on the border regions of the Northeast, particularly in areas where border trade flourishes.