The recent virtual ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit on the Future of India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships marked a decisive chapter in India’s strategic relationship with Southeast Asian nations. The Indian government emphasized the strategic importance of cross-border connectivity with the ASEAN nations, which include – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
India-ASEAN Connectivity
India is currently engaged in numerous connectivity projects with ASEAN, comprising land, water, and air connections. Ascending geopolitical significance is seen in this collaboration as improved connectivity fuels stronger bilateral relations. Emphasising this rising importance, India has initiated infrastructural developments in Northeastern India. A noteworthy project under this initiative is the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor.
Proposed benefits of these projects include potential mitigation of existing insurgencies, acceleration of economic development in the northeastern states, and their further integration with mainland India. Additionally, the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a chief factor in India’s growing rapport with its eastern neighbours, is expected to open up new business horizons for small and medium-sized enterprises in border areas.
Examples of Cross Connectivity Projects
Numerous large-scale projects depict the growing connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
This project, proposed in 2002, is a pioneering example of land connectivity. It aims to connect Moreh in India, Mae Sot in Thailand, and Bagan in Myanmar, enhancing the transit fluidity among the three countries. Additionally, there is an ongoing finalization of the India, Myanmar, and Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement (IMT MVA), aiming to create commercial transport services across borders.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP)
Initiated by the Indian government in 2008, the KMMTTP demonstrates improved water connectivity. It provides an alternative route for transportation of goods to northeast India via Myanmar. The project connects Kolkata in India to Sittwe and Paletwa in Myanmar through waterways and includes a sea link via Sittwe port.
Mekong-India Economic Corridor (MIEC)
MIEC involves the integration of four Mekong countries – Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia – along with India. It aims at connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Dawei, Bangkok, and Phnom Penh with Chennai, thereby reducing the transit distance between India and ASEAN countries and opening up new opportunities for infrastructure and economic development.
Proposed Developments
A future roadmap for enhancing India-ASEAN connectivity includes proposals for Trilateral Highway extension to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. This will ensure greater connectivity and economic integration of India’s northeast with its eastern neighbours.
In addition, efforts are being made in the digital domain to convert India into a Global Data Hub, thus improving digital connectivity between the regions.
Investing in maritime connectivity is another critical area, with the “Sagarmala” project aiming to invest in improved port infrastructure, promising enhanced integration and connectivity via sea routes. The rollout of these projects signifies a promising future for India-ASEAN Connectivity partnerships.