About the Book

India’s Act East Policy hinges on development of the eight Northeast states with a view to achieving the foreign policy objective of enhancing ties with neighbouring countries. This book examines large infrastructure development across the region as it is seen pivotal for growth, employment and opening up of the local economy. It assesses the potential of cross-border trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh, some of which is a revival of traditional ties. It analyses how improving physical connectivity with the neighbours will establish direct linkages within the region and with the rest of India. It also gives an overview of government schemes and policies, investment fairs, tourism promotion efforts and the building of higher education institutions which will in due course transform the region. It is only when these come to fruition can the Northeast engage with the neighbours for prosperity in the region.

About the Author

With a PhD from JNU, academician Sreeradha Datta has been director, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata and held fellowships with IDSA, among other institutions. She has written six books and monographs on Bangladesh, South East Asia, Myanmar and the Northeast and over 130 articles in journals, edited volumes, newspapers and academic websites. She serves on the academic boards of several universities and think tanks and is a regular participant in Track II dialogues with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and China. She currently heads the Neighbourhood Studies centre of the Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi.