BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
NORTH EAST IN INDIA’S LOOK EAST : ISSUES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
the 1960s. The roots of these movements were
essentially lying in the issue of identity and its
assertion.
After
the
introduction
of
liberalization process in the early 1990s, the
whole idea of identity has gone through a
dramatic change. The globalization process had
arguably done a ‘mainstreaming’ of the region.
And that arguably led to a greater success of
the counter-insurgency efforts on the part of
government of India. The Look East Policy
introduced during the 1990s was supposed to
be the answer for new realities emerging in the
NER in the wake of globalization. It was
ORGANISED BY
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(IIT),GUWAHATI
&
THE JADAVPUR ASSOCIATION OF
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (JAIR)
www.jair.net.in
IN COLLABORATION WITH
INDIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
RESEARCH (ICSSR) & MAULANA ABUL KALAM
AZAD INSTITUTE OF ASIAN STUDIES, KOLKATA
INDIAN COUNCIL OF WORLD AFFAIRS, NEW
DELHI
&
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION, MINISTRY OF
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
perceived
that
an
overall
economic
development of the region and training and
jobs for its youth would suck the life out of the
insurgency movements. Though after two
decades of its rolling out, it seems the
distribution of newly created opportunities did
not make all happy. A lot of former militants
from various outfits may have surrendered their
arms but grievances remain. Discontent is not
gone. It has just taken a new shape.
Thus pushing counter-insurgency measures to a
Joint Border Management and the Look East
Policy: India’s Experiences and A Few Possible
Measures
backseat and over emphasising on economy is
not a very prudent option. If the LEP has to
work, India needs to have a strong protection
Amartya Ray
Global India Foundation, Kolkata
amartyaray007@gmail.com
along its international boundaries and internal
peace and stability as well. One needs to
remember that it is not only India that is
India’s North East region has seen a good
suffering from various internal fissures. Two
number of insurgency movements starting from
1
most important neighbours in regard to the LEP,
rule. Whereas China continued to maintain its
Bangladesh and Myanmar are also facing crises
close relationship with Myanmar India has
very similar to that of India. Sometimes the
recently awakened to the economic as well as
problems are overlapping too, for example the
geo- strategic importance of the South -East
Chakma or the Rohingya issue. This paper
Asia (Gujral doctrine) despite its historical –
proposes a joint mechanism for border
cultural ties with the region.
management which will facilitate economic
In
activities as envisioned by the makers of the
contemporary
times
it
has
become
imperative for India to provide new dimensions
LEP, while at the same time secure our borders
to its relations with the South East Asian
so that the inner land be safe and secured and
countries for two reasons:
the fruits of the LEP reaches to its targeted
A. Its proximity to North eastern part of
masses and the NER as a whole.
India, and,
India and Pauk- Phaw Friendship: Challenges
to Security and Co-operation in Indian Ocean
B. Growing importance of Indian Ocean
and China’s presence therein. India’s
Dr. Amita Agarwal
Sr. Fellow- ICSSR
Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur
amita_in2000@yahoo.co.in
Relations with Myanmar hold special
importance because,
It provides easy access to the Indian Ocean ( for
The proposed paper focuses on triangular
China)through the Bay of Bengal. Looking at the
relationship of India- Myanmar- China and how
rate at which China is getting a firm foot hold in
this can affect security and development of
the ports opening to Indian Ocean, India would
North Eastern part of India in particular. The
do well to maintain friendly relations with
topic gains importance due to growing presence
Myanmar, and India’s relations with Myanmar
of China in Indian Oceans, is contemporary, and
and other South East Asian countries will have
holds
direct impact on development of the North
much
scope
for
discussion
both
Eastern region of India.
informative and even controversial.
became
Bay of Bengal forms an important part of Indian
independent it has followed the policy of Pauk -
Ocean and can become a point of entry into the
Phaw
brother)
Ocean for China. China following “ One Ocean
friendship with China. India too had close
Policy” and Two Ocean Strategy” has been
bilateral relations with Myanmar during British
making calculated moves and developing
Since
1948,
(elder
when
brother-
Myanmar
younger
2
several ports not only in Myanmar (which will
connectivity but also had to absorb changes due
provide direct and shorter access to Bay of
to the developments that occurred across the
Bengal which will save it huge sum in terms of
borders. The region has also been long known
money as well as time)but at every possible
to have deeper socio economic and cultural ties
point of entry into the Ocean( String of Pearls).
across the border with the mobility of people
In Myanmar China is more interested in the
and
Kyaukphyu port to secure its energy supply and
experiences.
port on Coco Island that could also be used for
consequent
exchanges
of
cultural
The Look East Policy, though primarily aimed at
strategic purposes.
cultivating close ties with the South East Asian
At least in Myanmar India has some advantage
countries, was also believed that it would open
as it has been financing and developing port
up
Sittwe (through Essar) and Kaladan Transport
development of the region by facilitating
project and road from the river terminal in
increased mobility of people and trade. Despite
Paletwa to the India- Myanmar border in the
more than two decades have passed since the
North East. On completion this would provide
launching of this policy, it’s a matter of grave
an alternate route from Kaladan River to
concern that there continues the neglect of the
Mizoram for transport of goods.
region
multiple
avenues
without
any
for
fast
visible
economic
economic
development in the area. It is argued that this
The proposed paper is an attempt to discuss
police can’t yield any result without close
triangular relationship of Myanmar- China –
cooperation with ASEAN countries, which is
India and its probable impact on security and
now being sought to be activated through the
development of North East India in particular.
setting up of sub regional organizations, like
India’s Look East Policy, ASEAN and the
Challenges of Strengthening BIMSTEC
BCIM and the BIMSTEC. It is hoped that if these
Dr Biswajit Mohapatra
North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong
biswajitm_1@hotmail.com
amongst their members, then the region
organizations are able to develop close linkages
encompassing South and South east Asia can
not only see positive regional cooperation but
also achieve economic growth and prosperity
The North Eastern region has been a region of
by way of strengthened connectivity through
great significance as historically, it has not only
improved trade and transport leading towards
played a very important role in the multiple
development of an economic corridor, much to
aspects of security, trade, commerce and
every one’s benefit and security.
3
In the light of the above mentioned points, in
the first concrete steps towards furthering her
my proposed paper, I propose to look into ways
“Look East Policy” (LEP). Indo-ASEAN car rallies,
as to how and whether issues of connectivity,
diplomatic interactions and high level summits
economic cooperation and economic corridor
between the two entities show India’s LEP is
can contribute significantly towards building up
deepening trade and economic relations. This
cooperation between our North-Eastern Region
eastward orientation of her policies has serious
and ASEAN countries through the agency of sub
implications for the northeast region. Policy-
regional organization like BIMSTEC, for the
makers acknowledge that India’s Southeast Asia
better interest of the region.
begins from her northeast region or in other
words, northeast region is the bridge between
India’s Look East Policy and the Northeast
South Asia and Southeast Asia. Therefore, a
Region: A Perspective
deeper understanding of LEP becomes crucial as
its
Caroline Maninee
Centre for Political Studies,
JNU, New Delhi.
maninee7@rediffmail.com
region which have been politically restive,
sharing an international boundary of around
4,500 kms with Southeast Asian countries could
groupings or regional integrations became an
not be ignored in the pursuit to achieve her
essential feature, in their struggle to survive
the
changed
necessarily
backdrop, that the importance of the northeast
forms of relations amongst states and regional
in
implementation
engages its northeast region. It is against this
The post-cold war world order entailed new
geopolitically
successful
state
economic and trade objectives.
of
international affairs. After she opened up her
The statist argument that fostering deeper
market to the global liberal economy in 1991,
economic and cultural ties with the Southeast
realising the importance of the ASEAN market
Asian countries will not only promote better
and also the need to contain the growing
economic opportunities for the region but also
Chinese influence, India began to foster deeper
help in containing separatist movements is
relations with her Southeast Asian neighbour
belied by ground realities. The state of political,
countries
socio-economic conditions - six decades old
from
which
she
conveniently
distanced from any meaningful transactions.
unresolved
Signing of bilateral trade agreements with
governance,
Myanmar and subsequent development of
militarisation and culture of impunity, lack of
Moreh (border town in Manipur bordering
infrastructures in basic public delivery systems
Myanmar) as an international trade centre were
including absence of reliable transport and
4
problems
of
corruption,
insurgency,
mis-
unaccountability,
communication facilities inform the existing
Does such a narrative suggest that even after
conditions in the region. The paper argues that
more than sixty years of its association with the
in the absence of an accountable socio-
Indian State, the northeast region has yet to
economic policy and adequate mechanisms for
internalise a self-sustaining economy despite
the benefit of the people in the region, chances
the herculean attempts to reclaim its own
are high that they face more survival threats
legitimate
besides already bearing the brunt of the
within the existing state system? How can the
protracted political conflict between the Central
Look East Policy generate incentives that can
government and non-state actors. The paper
bring substantial changes in the political, socio-
will also argue that unless the people have an
economic conditions of the people in the
equal share of the developmental space in the
region? By raising these questions, the paper
existing state structure, any promise of
will further explore towards a meaningful
economic development through a regional
conceptualization of ‘development’ which the
arrangement with the neighbouring Southeast
Look East policy holds for the region.
political,
socio-economic
space
Asian countries will remain a distant dream. It
Look East Policy : " India's Growing Strategic
further argues that the cultural exchanges
Interest in ASEAN and Beyond"
programs carried out between the Southeast
Asian countries and Northeast region is not
Dr. Dilip Kumar Goyal
dilipjpr@gmail.com
Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur
sufficient and argues that cultural interactions
towards promoting LEP taking place in Delhi,
Guwahati and other north-eastern states alone
India's Look East Policy, conceived by the Prime
cannot
institutional
Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in the early 1990’s,
measures. A major gap in the political, socio-
a time when India was grappling with economic
economic
of
challenges while trying to adjust to the post-
regularly
cold war changes in the international geo-
replace
citizenship
the
missing
consciousness
in
the
of
country
the
is
idea
highlighted by the systemic discrimination
strategic environment.
which the people from the region face
The Look East Policy seeks to optimise India's
especially in the metros of the country. Thus
synergies
the paper will highlight how the State’s
neighbourhood
perspective is strongly challenged by a bottom-
interdependence as factor for peace and
up approach as is informed by the existential
stability. It also seeks to create an Asian identity
conditions of the people.
in a dynamic and rapidly growing Indo -Pacific.
5
in
the
extended
and
Indo-
regards
Pacific
mutual
India is now seen as an indispensable strategic
Question of leadership is a big challenge for the
player and is integral to the peace and
region. Will China, India, Japan or even an
prosperity
external actor e.g. the US lead the regional
of
the
Asian
region.
India's
participation in Indo- Pacific fora like ASEAN,
structure or will
ARF, East Asia summit, BIMSTEC, MGC and the
leadership emerge? It is evident that there is a
supporting institutions arrangement like the
conflict of interest between the major powers
India- ASEAN free trade agreement and the
regarding the leadership role. It might not be
summit level annual dialogue with ASEAN
that a certain state would be willing to take the
leaders, have enhanced the relationship to a
lead, but that they would be unwilling to accept
strategic level.
the leadership of another. The increased
confidence and willingness of China and India to
India's growing trade with South East Asia, and
lead has led to a similar decline in confidence
gradual opening of its strategic and economic
among competing states, such as Japan and
policies shows that India is interested in peace
Pakistan.
and stability of South East Asia as well as in the
establishment of the rule of
a model of collective
law and
Defence and security, is another largely
compliance with the international law. Look
unexplored area by academics. Security of
East Policy is also influenced by Sino- Indian
South Asia and Southeast Asia is a prime
reaction to their respective rises in the twenty
concern in this context. As both the regions
-first century. They will also provide key
are suffering from new threats, including
answers to the debate on whether an "Asian
terrorism.
century" has finally arrived, eclipsing five
This paper is an attempt to present a balanced
centuries of Western dominance.
analysis of India's
relations with the other
Yet these two Asian great powers demonstrate
major powers in the context of Southeast Asian
sharp contrasts in terms of their political
countries.
system, economic models, and social structures.
integration from the Himalays to the Pacific
Despite their common aspirations for greater
Ocean especially in the strategic context-which
stature on the world stage, they have also
could
maintained a very complex relationship which
environment for subsequent collaboration in
offers promising opportunities in an era of
other areas as well.
globalisation.
6
It
explores
probably
the
create
possibility
a
of
conductive
India’s Look East Policy and the WTO:
Construing Regionalism in Tandem with
Multilateralism
unions and free trade areas, provided certain
strict criteria are met. The WTO agreements
recognize that regional arrangements and
Ishita Das
National Law University
Jodhpur
ishita.das@gmail.com
closer
economic
integration
can
benefit
countries and the rules negotiated during the
establishment of regional agreements have
The ‘Look East Policy’ constituted the dynamic
paved the way for discussion on several issue
foreign policy initiative in the post-Cold War
such
era, propounded by the then Prime Minister of
environmental
India, PV Narasimha Rao, with a view to tap into
competition
the potential economic gains stemming from
framework. The question which arises in this
successful
context
trading
relations
with
the
as
services,
intellectual
standards,
policies,
is,
investment
under
whether
property,
the
these
and
WTO
regional
neighbouring countries. India was seeking to
arrangements are opposed to the essential
establish itself as a strong economic power and
objective of the multilateral trading system? Is
strengthening its relationship with neighbouring
it possible to construe regionalism in tandem
nations such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, inter
with multilateralism? This paper seeks to
alia, provided the means to derive both
address the concerns arising from the potential
economic and strategic benefits. The Northeast
conflict
states of India provide the gateway to the
multilateralism, while exploring the overall
surrounding
effectiveness of the Look East Policy.
neighbouring
countries
and
therefore, it is extremely crucial that the
between
regionalism
and
Does India's Look East Policy Bypass Peace in
the North-East?
internal problems of these states are effectively
addressed, so that there exists an environment
into several regional arrangements such as
Jadav Pegu
Government of Assam (Member of the Assam
Civil Service)
davepegu@rediffmail.com
Admittedly the Look East Policy (LEP) started as
ASEAN, CECA with countries such as Singapore
a foreign policy initiative of the government of
and
of
India based on the idea of greater economic
international trade and ultimately, economic
engagement and integration with countries of
growth. Article XXIV of the GATT and Article V
South Asia and South-East Asia. The policy by its
of the GATS allow the formation of regional
own
trading arrangements, comprising customs
plethora of economic programming, socio-
conducive to the promotion of international
trade across such borders. India has entered
Malaysia,
for
the
promotion
7
implications
involves
engineering
a
political changes and a role for North-East India
This
as the overland gateway to South and South-
interdependence
East Asia. But that the LEP has so far made no
resolution and economic development as
significant impact on economic growth of the
exemplified by continuing violence and conflicts
North-East is a matter of concern. It has to be
in Northeast India and the lack of tangible
examined in the light of the government’s
impact of the LEP on the region. The pertinent
obligations and the problems and challenges
question asked here is: has peace in the North-
that have been a feature of its engagement
East been bypassed by the LEP? Could it end up
with the region.
in a total, physical bypassing of the region?
Central to this issue is the question of peace in
India’s Look East Policy and Opportunities for
Economic Development of the North-East India
Through Road Connectivity to South East Asia:
A Regional Perspective
North-East India – positive peace that would be
a
contributory
factor
for
the
fruitful
involvement of the region in the LEP. It seems
paper
will
seek
of
to
peace
explore
and
the
conflict
K. Robinson
North-Eastern Hill University,Shillong
khithier@gmail.com
to have been assumed that a greater economic
participation resulting from the LEP would
automatically remove much of the problems in
North-East India. But that such an assumption
With the emergence of new scenario in
can only result in the policy becoming a non-
international trade under liberalisation and
starter has been proven by the lethargic
globalisation, India envisaged a policy to look
economic impact on the North-East. The
into the east which is known as India’s Look
security-related issues ensuing from unresolved
East Policy. The policy was initiated in 1991 with
protracted conflicts have become an alibi for
the realisation of the needs to engage the rapid
bypassing the region. Even as the country
growing economies of South East Asian
projects itself to the neighbouring South-east
countries for both economic and strategic
Asian nations, apparently, there is no expressed
reasons. North- East India connected only by
strategy in the LEP seeking to resolve the
the Silliguri Corridor often known as the
conflicts in the North-East systematically. This
‘Chicken’s Neck’ has no other inland road, rail
lack of a methodical approach to peace and
and water connectivity with mainland India and
conflict resolution relegates to the periphery
this has been one of the main reason for its
the involvement and engagement of the region
economic
in the LEP.
underdevelopment. North -East is the Gateway
backwardness
and
to South East Asia and the potentials of India’s
8
Look East Policy could not be accomplished
proper connectivity and active participation of
without developing proper infrastructure and
the indigenous hill tribes.
connectivity throughout the North-East.
Counter-Terrorism Measures in the North-East
India through India’s Lookeast Policy: In search
of alternatives
However, it is hoped that once the Look East
Policy is fully implemented, the region would
Kago Gambo
Dera Natung College, Itanagar
kagogambo134@gmail.com
serve as the transit point for ASEAN and India
connectivity, and the high ways such as ‘Asian
Highway’, ‘Asian Railway Link’, Bay of Bengal
Terrorism is the systematic use or threatened
initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and
use of violence to intimidate a population or
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will pass
government
through North -East India which will be
political,
in almost all the north-eastern states. Most of
be a distant dream as it has a number of
these organizations demand independent (full-
problems and challenges and has been a subject
fledged)
of intense debate especially amongst the Hills
autonomy,
people. While some are optimistic about the
state
or
status,
increased
sovereignty.
In
regional
Nagaland,
insurgency started as early as 1950s and in
said policy for bringing brings opportunities to
Manipur, 1960s. Arunachal Pradesh once hailed
the region for both economic and social
as an Island of peace is also coming under
development others contended that the policy
militant map. More often than not, the
as a threat to the existence and survival of the
bound
effect
of insurgent activities and regional movements
India’s Look East Policy at the present seems to
tradition
thereby
religious, or ideological change. There is a rise
beneficial to the people in the region. But
various
and
terrorists and militants are supplied arms and
indigenous
ammunitions and funded from across the
communities of the region. There seem to be a
borders; which is a form of transnational crime
lack of responsiveness and participation from
too because the same is used to kill the people
these communities due to lack of infrastural
and security forces in our land.
developments, proper road connectivity in the
region. In this context, this paper seeks to
It is now time to counter terrorism in Northeast
analyse the problems and prospects of India’s
India by implementing Lookeast Policy of India,
Look East policy for the indigenous hill
which will remain a major instrument of peace.
communities of the region. It argues that
This paper will try to investigate and find out
without proper infrastructural development,
remedies and alternatives available and to-be-
9
devised within the context of India’s Lookeast
there are number issues and challenges which
Plocy; which may be adopted to solve the
need to be addressed to reap economic
problem.
benefits from tourism. The State has a good
opportunity to enhance economic development
Look East Policy and Tourism Development in
North-East India: Issues and Challenges (with
Reference to Arunachal Pradesh)
and improve the livelihood of its people
through the promotion tourism. But unplanned
and unregulated tourism development may
Maila Lama
Assistant Professor
Rajiv Gandhi University
Email:lama_rgu@rediffmail.com
have disastrous impact on its fragile ecology
and unique indigenous culture. Hence, it calls
for proper planning and management of
tourism so as to combine conservation and
North eastern region of India, despite being rich
development and follow the path of sustainable
in natural resources, is one of the most
underdeveloped
Arunachal
regions
Pradesh,
of
the
country.
in
Eastern
situated
development. This paper examines the various
issues and challenges of tourism development
in Arunachal Pradesh and suggests measures for
Himalayas, is rich in natural resources and has
huge potentials for development.
enormous
potential
for
promoting sustainable tourism.
It has an
development
of
Looking East through India’s North East:
Challenges and Viablilities
tourism, a fastest growing sector in the world.
Vast forest resources, biodiversity, natural
Pratnashree Basu
Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata
pratnashree@orfonline.org
beauty, local tribal cultures, are main tourist
attractions of the State. In recent years, tourist
inflow in the State has been growing at a faster
The primacy of India’s Northeastern region to
rate. But the inflow of high budget foreign
its
tourist is relatively less. India’s Look East Policy
development
which envisages integrating the region with
Nevertheless, the importance of this region has
South-East
promote
come under focus much later than when the
increase in inflow of tourist in the State. This
Look East Policy (LEP) was formulated as a way
will
economic
building strategic and economic cooperation
development of the State though generation of
with India’s southeastern neighbours. In fact
employment and income opportunities in
while attempts to enhance engagement with
tourism and tourism related sectors. However,
Southeast Asia increased, the northeast region
Asian
immensely
countries
contribute
can
to
foreign
policy
as
well
cannot
be
as
domestic
overstated.
remained largely oblivious to it. It was the
10
Shukla Commission report which became
well as the existing relevant literature to get a
instrumental in aligning the LEP with efforts of
clearer idea of how much work has already
developing the northeast.
been done and to understand the concrete
measures that have been implemented on the
This region is assuming importance among both
ground as opposed to what merely exists on
governmental as well as non-governmental
paper. The paper will therefore explore the
actors and consequently much literature exists
benefits and the costs that stand to be accrued
on various aspects of understanding on
in the course of augmenting the physical,
enhancing the position of this region vis-a-vis
political, social and economic integration of the
India as well as India’s southeastern neighbours.
region, to reap the potential benefits of India’s
It is very important therefore to understand the
northeastern bridge to Southeast Asia.
gap that exists between addressing the
concerns of the region as well realizing the
How real is Look East Policy from North East
point of view?
A critical review on Look East Policy and
Development of North East India.
potential of the region.
The The Ministry of Development of North
Dr. Sailajananda Saikia
M.C.College, Barpeta, Assam
Dr. N.Kar
Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh
Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the North East
Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs offer a
lot of information with several documents
pertaining to border trade, border haats,
physical connectivity and other data on policy
Despite its historical and cultural links with East
and developmental plans. This region receives
and
the highest share of central funds but the
independence foreign policy tended to ignore
availability of finance has led to ‘the creation of
the region. After three decades the Look East
new elites and fostered corruption’ which have
policy has yielded many benefits and supported
in turn financed insurgents functioning in the
India’s economic transformation and growth,
region. States in the region hence have limited
including closer strategic contacts between
capacity to mobilize their own resources making
India and Southeast Asian countries, and trade
them largely dependent on central government
with countries bordering the North eastern
aid.
region
Southeast
Asia,
witnessed
a
India
in
dramatic
its
post-
expansion.
However, this increase in the volume of trade
Keeping this mind, the paper would attempt an
with India’s eastern neighbors has had little or
examination of the government documents as
no impact on the Northeast. Through this paper
11
an attempts has been made to trace the policies
China has embarked upon a series of dam-
of the neighbors towards their border regions
building
especially China and understand the recent
augment the volume of the water resources. All
changes in strategy for regional development
these have threatened to diminish international
against the background of the two booming
river flows into India and other co-riparian
Asian economies and what will be the impact
states. Specifically
on North east India’s development. Will the
Tsangpo branch of the Brahmaputra around the
policy bring any change in terms of overall
famous U-Bend before the river enters the
development or are the people of north east
disputed Indian territory of Arunachal Pradesh,
again being ignored.
is a matter of concern for the country. The
and
water-diversion
projects
to
diversion of the Yarlung
problem is exacerbated due to the absence of
Rerouting of Brahmaputra and North East
India : A crucial nexus in
Indo-China Relation
any international agreements between the co
riparians and the lack of transparency in
Chinese hydrologiacal data sharing. All these
Satabdi Das
Assistant Professor
Dept. Of Political Science
South Calcutta Girls' College, Kolkata
satabdi09das@gmail.com
have the potential to lead to a major conflict
over water.
Large parts of Brahmaputra flows through the
northeastern
Water is becoming a key security issue in Indo-
Indian
states
of
Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam. This region which accounts
China relations. The rerouting of the river
for a large share of
Brahmaputra and a series of dam building at
total identified hydro
potential of the country is dependent on the
the upper reaches of it by China that
Brahmaputra basin. So, if China continues with
significantly alters the river’s course and flow
its plan to build more dams on the upper
and creates water scarcity to downstream
reaches of the Brahmaputra, it would surely
nations is an issue of concern in this regard.
affect the downstream areas in Northeast India.
Geographically the Brahmaputra River flows
As this region is primarily dependent on
through China, India, and Bangladesh on its
agriculture, scarcity of water resources due to
journey from the Himalayas to the Bay of
dam building
Bengal. However, given her over-utilisation of
have an adverse impact on the economy of the
water
huge
region. The problem is furthered as the region is
population and mismanagement of resources,
already facing socio political turmoil due to
resources
by
industries,
its
on transnational rivers, would
unscrupulous development projects which took
12
place
at
the
expense
of
environment.
Trans-border Insurgencies in Northeast India
and Northwest Myanmar: Challenges and
Imperatives for India’s Look East Policy
Furthermore, diverting water away from the
basin at a time when the region is already
Seikhogin Haokip
North-Eastern Hill University,Shillong
seikhogin@yahoo.com
suffering from dwindling fresh water supply due
to climate induced glacial retreat has further
aggravated the crisis.
Despite the much hype generated by India’s
Against such a backdrop the presention will try
Look East Policy that the strategic position of
to address the following issues:
Northeast India would serve as a continental
•
Changes in the 'physical or political
linkage to the ASEAN countries and would
setting' of Brahmaputra basins by construction
emerged as a trade and economic hub, this has
of dams upstream, diversion for irrigation
been belied and still remains elusive. This can
purposes
be attributed to the problem of law and order
are
responsible
for
fostering
competition for water resources between India
and
and China;
insurgencies
•
North
East
India
which
is
will
face
great
havoc
threat
which
are
posed
by
ethnic
trans-national
in
character. In fact, this issue was one of the
geo
major policy frameworks of India’s Look East
ecologically fragile and politically already
unstable
security
Policy and since then, some measures have
both
been taken up by the Government of India in
economically and ecologically due to the
collaboration with the Military Junta of
diversion of Brahmaputra.This will turn India's
Myanmar in this regard. However, the problem
North Eastern frontier more vulnerable to
of ethnic insurgencies still remains a concern. In
external pressure and will affect India's security
this context, this paper attempts to underpin
at large;
the challenges posed by these trans-national
•
As the water management between
ethnic insurgencies in the region and the
nations sharing transboundary water resources
imperatives for India’s Look East Policy. It
is a huge challenge, cooperation between India
argues that the problem of ethnic insurgencies
and China is better than confrontation and
in the region should not be seen merely in the
there is a need to develop deeper institutional
security point of view. Rather, it should be
linkages between them to avoid the water war.
understood in terms of the region’s specific
socio-historical and political context and the
dynamics of ethnic political consciousness. In
13
doing so, it is considered prudent for the said
government since 2011 followed by the entry of
policy framework to ensure the autonomy
various actors like USA, India, Japan, and China
aspirations
ethnic
shifted the entire gamut to a different direction.
autonomy
The political and economic implications on India
arrangements’ involving the communities at
are immensely high due to the fact that the
stake, the Governments of India and Myanmar.
Northeast India serves as a gateway of not only
Only then, the region’s strategic prospects can
‘friendship’ but also allows the illegitimate entry
meaningfully provide a continental linkage to
of
the ASEAN countries and ensure the success of
Northeastern channel into India. Thereby,
India’s Look East Policy.
allowing the Burmese not only to capture the
of
communities
these
through
trans-border
‘certain
the
Burmese
masses
through
the
Indian Territory illegitimately, but also inviting
Exploring Myanmar in ASEAN Orbit:
Implication for India
the illegal entry of narcotics inside the Indian
Territory. Moreover, on a positive note, India
Shalini Das
Department of International Relations,
Jadavpur University
shalinidasmay19@gmail.com
aims to strengthen its ties with Myanmar by
investing on a huge scale into the country. This
creates a serious dilemma for India to formulate
In recent years, the changing power dynamics
its Look East policy concerning Myanmar, while
of the past military rulers to civilian way of
keeping in mind both the positive and negative
functioning has raised number of questions in
implications
the discourse of International politics. This shift
Therefore, this paper will try to highlight the
of power structure has evolved on account of a
role of ASEAN over the years with reference to
number of important factors; the autocratic
Myanmar’s new government and assess the
rule of the military junta, the absence of
positive and negative implication in India and
democratic norms, violation of Human Rights,
her ‘Look East’ policy to tackle the rising
followed by under development on account of
problem.
of
the
country
over
India.
international sanction, pressure from the
Whither India and China in the 21st Century:
looking through the prism of India’s ‘North
eastern’ and China’s ‘Western’ aspirations
Western world to follow democratic norms, the
inclusion of Myanmar into ASEAN and the
pressure of the latter on the former to establish
Swagata Saha
Observer Research Foundation
swagatasaha@orfonline.org
democracy, remains the prime reason for the
weak economic development. The shifting
paradigm
of
military
rulers
to
civilian
14
The Asian century of 21st has placed India and
Kathmandu-Kyirong (Tibet) road in 2013 which
China, two of the leading Asian powers in
is the shortest overland motorable route
decisive and reinvigorated positions. Although
between India and China. In December 2012,
the areas of contestations between the two are
ASEAN-India meeting commemorated its 20
manifold, there is wide scope of mutuality and
years of association. The ASEAN China India
gains which may bolster the whole idea of Asian
(ACI) region has the potential of an Asian
century vis-a-vis the British or American.
powerhouse with India’s North East and its
adjoining
India’s North East, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal and
vented
out.
their
strategic
2014 for the first time in its seventeen years of
where India’s eastern and China’s western
are
forming
nucleus. Myanmar hosting the ASEAN Summit
Bangladesh together seem to be the region
aspirations
nations
membership is indicative of the region’s
Aggressive
growing
infrastructure building in Myanmar (particularly
importance.
The
Summit
was
dominated by concerns over Chinese maritime
Yangon, Kachin state, Shwe pipeline), the
expansionism
Qinghai-Tibet rail extension till Shigatse which
especially
at
Vietnam
and
Philippine. India may be nowhere close to
is expected to be complete a year ahead than
China’s manufacturing feats however India has
planned in 2014, the re-pavement of Xinjiang-
software technicians providing the back office
Tibet highway running through disputed Aksai
support to many developed nations. This skilled
Chin region, the Pakistan-China metro railway
labour may be shifted to front offices. Also after
deal, China’s submarine deal with Bangladesh
a decade or so, China will have raised world’s
and Pakistan newest additions to China’s
largest aged population and India will have to
containment policy towards India. India is yet to
provide
make its economic footprint firmly established
employment
to
world’s
largest
workforce. China being largest importer of US is
in Myanmar nevertheless the talks on opening
cognizant
up public sector banks, Rhi Tiddim project, the
of
the
American
miracle
of
outsourcing. In all likelihood, China will make
Kaladan Multimodal transport project are
use of this complementary situation between
progressive steps. Myanmar’s association with
India and China. The countries adjoining India in
India becomes all the more sound as far as the
last
country’s reproachment with democracy is
few
years
have
experienced
much
discontent in delivering democracy or are new
concerned. India is also Nepal’s largest trade
democracies. Nepal had political uncertainty
partner, source of foreign investment and
post dissolution of Constituent Assembly in
tourist arrivals. China is ambitious to make its
2012 till Parliamentary elections in 2013,
presence felt, for instance by completing the
15
Bangladesh went into election amidst heated
relations and a broader role of India and China
controversy surrounding war crime trial and
in the ACI region (ASEAN China India). Despite’s
Care Taker Government (CTG) in January 2014,
Modi’s strong stand on border issues with China
Myanmar has its election due in 2015. This calls
(as evident in election campaign speech at
for a pro-active role of India as harbinger of
Arunachal Pradesh), he has been welcomed by
democracy in the region especially when it has
Chinese think tank as “India’s Nixon” not losing
undergone itself an election and had chosen a
sight of the fact that Chief Minister Modi had
majority government in 2014. At this juncture,
signed Rs. 400 crore MoU with a Chinese firm
India must come up with a responsible
producing
neighhbourhood policy and a more inclusive
September 2013, there were reports about
North East policy to counter the Chinese might
Salman Khurshid (Foreign Minister then) urged
in the region.
for membership in Shanghai Cooperation
pipeline from Turkmenistan to India has made
recent Westward ambitions have poised a
the membership all the more pertinant.
whole new situation for India. In May 2014,
Similarly, Japan may be seen as the other
World Bank report has estimated China to
refractive offshoot from the prismatic India-
overtake United States economically far ahead
China relations in the present century. Japan’s
of expected time. The Russia-Ukraine crisis has
in
in
Russia- China gas deal as well as the TAPI
global or multi-lateral overtures. China’s more
stagnancy
Also
drawdown of US troops in Afghanistan. The
effects as regional or bilateral aspirations have
somewhat
equipments.
Organisation (SCO) keeping in view the
However, these aspirations have prismatic
brought
electrical
relation with China has considerably frayed over
Russia’s
the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ)
relations with US and Europe. The signing of
declaration, victimization of comfort women in
400 billion US dollar gas deal by China and
Japanese aggression during Second World War,
Russia has brought the US-China run for power
most recently. In September 2012, Japan
to the forefront. There has been a long standing
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has
debate in BRICS on substituting US dollar as the
lent an additional 696 million US dollar for
standard international exchange currency and
Mumbai subway besides the Delhi metro
China seems to arguing strongly its case in turn.
subway. India is the largest recipient of Japan’s
The fact that Prime Ministerial incumbent,
foreign aid and the strategic location of India’s
Narendra Modi has rejected his US visit to make
North East does not seem to be far away from
BRICS meeting his first official foreign visit is
Japan’s investment intentions. Further, the visit
suggestive of many overtures in the Sino-Indian
16
of Japan’s Emperor and Empress in December
The Look East policy was launched in 1992 just
2013 and Shinzo Abe being the Chief Guest of
after the end of the Cold War, following the
Indian Republic Day celebration in 2014 are
collapse of the Soviet Union. After the start of
very suggestive of an enamored India-Japan
liberalization, it was a strategic policy decision
relation and a possible re-balancing of India’s
taken by the government with regard to its
equations with China.
foreign policy. This initiative was motivated by
the ASEAN’s economic, political and strategic
The whole map of Asia is spread out before
importance in the Asia-Pacific region and its
India and China. The two countries through
potential to become a major trade and
their prismatic formations and refractive politics
investment partner. Today, the scope of the
may shape a prospective future for the
policy had gone beyond the ASEAN countries to
continent. Individually, India and China have
include the Far Eastern and Pacific regions. This
come a long way. While China is revered all over
has enhanced India’s links with a host of
the world for having created a world factory,
countries like China, Japan, Republic of Korea,
India’s IT back up is the life force of many
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea
developed countries yet they both have
and Pacific island states. This policy may be
inadequacies in terms of corruption, socio-
largely considered as a foreign policy initiative;
economic inequality, rising population, and
however, it has a huge impact on the
their strategic interests seem to collide in ways
Northeastern especially if we look at the
more than one. At a close analysis, India and
development prospect of the region.
China with its highs and lows seems to be each
other’s fulfillers and has the potential to take
In this context Sino-Indian relation can play an
the Asian Century forward by lead. India’s North
important role of that of a supplement for the
East and its adjoining region seem to be the
success of India’s Look East policy. China being
platform at which the Asian game may be
the largest Asian Economy can offer huge
played out.
export potential for India. The media in
particular has alleged that this policy is also
Sino-Indian Relations and India’s Look East
Policy
geared to hedge against China through
developing military relations with China’s
VD Sangahiwot Rymbai
Northeastern Hill University
sanga_rymvai@yahoo.co.in
surrounding countries. But it is known that such
misunderstanding in the region will not be of
any help to the look east policy rather it will
17
come in the way achieving the desired goals of
ensure
intra-village
all-weather
road
the initiative. In this context I propose to
connectivity, at the least, which must, in turn,
address how Sino-Indian relations can be of
fan out to connect to other villages, towns,
help for the success of the Look East policy.
cities… touching and transcending political
borders of states and nations.
Connecting India, Connecting to the World:
An attempt has been made in this presentation,
Poverty Alleviation and rural Connectivity
based largely upon fieldwork, and secondary
Indrashis Banerjee
data sources, to examine the impact of the
MGNREGA, in select areas of the eastern Indian
Associate Professor in Political Science,
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira
(Autonomous),
indrashisbanerjee@gmail.com
state of West Bengal and our Northeast on the
quality of life of citizens by ensuring rural
connectivity.
Years ago, as the world slept, Indians woke up
from
centuries
facing
Keywords: Democracy, local democracy, sub-
immiserisation, compounded with a painful
district development, rural development, BDO,
caesarian birth vivisected with partition. A
rural local self government, welfare state,
mammoth state-led revivification endeavour
development
found concrete shape in a number of poverty
mechanisms.
alleviation
of
programmes
servitude,
over
time.
schemes,
service
delivery
A
The Economics of North East and Its
contemporary and ambitious programme, the
Neighbours With Special Reference to Bhutan
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, was “an Act
Dr. Debamitra Mitra
to provide for the enhancement of livelihood
Principal of the Institute of Leadership,
Entrepreneurship and Development (ILEAD)
security of the households in rural areas…” A
core component of this Act is the creation of
sustainable
assets
that
strengthen
Connected to India only by a narrow corridor,
the
and sharing borders with five of India’s
livelihood resource base of rural areas. More
neighbours — Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
than one-fifth of such assets are related to rural
Myanmar and Nepal, northeast has been
connectivity.
repeatedly held up as the gateway for India’s
The vision of connecting India must taper down
Look East policy. Whether it is Modi’s personal
to the lowest levels, where the heart of the land
touch to come up with the idea of an annual
beats loudest. There remains the vital need to
18
sports festival with Bhutan and northeastern
states, the fact is, both have many areas to
explore for their economic development.
Bilateral trade can develop based on tourism.
There are three Land Customs Stations on IndoBhutan border, namely Darranga, Hatisar and
Ultapani (all are in Assam)
through
which
formal trade is getting executed. India’s
national security and energy security can also
be viable with adequate Bhutan and northeast
relationships. In agro processing, the Indian
dairy industry can provide technical assistance
and business knowledge to Bhutan's dairy
industry for markets in Bhutan and North East
India. The informal trade between Bhutan and
northeast states or the concept of border ‘Hat’
is highly prevalent too.
(c) The Jadavpur Assocaition of International
Relations, 2014
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the
Abstracts are those of individual scholars are
not of the organisers.
19