| Title: | Inter-regional Tracks: Railway Connectivity in the Bay of Bengal Region |
| Author/s: | Riya Sinha |
| Abstract: | India has increasingly focused on boosting connectivity between South and Southeast Asia through its Northeast Region, with railway development as a key part of its ‘Act East’ policy. While cross-border rail links have been discussed since the 1970s, tangible progress only picked up in the 2000s, with recent efforts reviving old lines with Bangladesh, initiating links with Nepal and Bhutan and planning connections to Myanmar.
This South Asia Scan analyses railway connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region, highlighting policy and operational barriers such as political instability, weak institutional capacity and poor infrastructure. It proposes solutions, including a regional rail corridor, inter-modal transport and investment in trade facilitation to help build a seamless, efficient railway network across South and Southeast Asia. |
| Date: | 26 August 2025 |
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| Title: | India in World Trade: Changing Trends over a Decade and their Implications |
| Author/s: | Deeparghya Mukherjee |
| Abstract: | India is strengthening its role in global trade and value chains through key policy reforms and post-COVID-19 pandemic export growth, emerging as a preferred alternative under the China-plus-one strategy. While exports have become more diversified and India’s role in parts and components trade has grown, rising foreign input in services and persistent challenges – such as geopolitical tensions, non-tariff barriers and climate policies – pose hurdles. This South Asia Scan calls for redesigning the Production Linked Incentive scheme, improving trade agreements and supporting small firms, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations seen as crucial to India’s future trade and economic growth. |
| Date: | 28 May 2025 |
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