Syllabus: GS-II: International Relations
What in the News?
The recently convened third meeting of the high-level task force on the North East Economic Corridor (NEEC) focused heavily on enhancing the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Corridor) and strengthening linkages with Bangladesh and India’s north-eastern states. This corridor is central to India’s “Act East” Policy and aims to transform the North-East from a peripheral region into a gateway to Southeast Asia.
What is the corridor about?
- The IMT Trilateral Highway is planned to connect Moreh (in Manipur, India) via Tamu and Kalewa (Myanmar) to Mae Sot (Thailand) over approximately 1,360 km.
- Moreh is an international border town along the India-Myanmar border, connecting India to Tamu in Myanmar.
- It is an international trade point with integrated customs and immigration checkpoint.
- India has proposed extending this corridor further east into Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, forming a potential 3,200 km East-West Economic Corridor.
- The E-W Economic Corridor between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam has been operational since 2015.
- The corridor complements other connectivity projects in the region such as rail links, inland waterways, border trade posts, and digital infrastructure.
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Why does this matter for India and the North-East?
- Regional Integration and Trade: By linking India to Southeast Asia, the corridor opens up new markets and supply chains, especially for the north-eastern states, which are currently landlocked.
- Strategic Importance: The North-East borders several countries; improved connectivity strengthens India’s border economy and provides a counterbalance to external influences.
- Economic Development: Better transport infrastructure can reduce travel time, lower costs, and attract investments in manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.
- Inclusivity and Integration: It aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring the inclusion of remote areas in national development frameworks.
What was deliberated in the recent meeting?
In the third NEEC Task Force meeting, chaired by Mizoram Chief Minister, key points included:
- Establishing new connectivity corridors between Bangladesh and the northeastern states.
- Strengthening the India–Myanmar–Thailand transport corridor for greater regional integration.
- Developing Guwahati as a central logistics hub with enhanced helicopter connectivity among the northeastern states.
- Improving inland waterways, expanding railway connectivity, and exploring electric train services to reduce travel costs.
- Enhancing internet services, modernising border trade infrastructure, and improving branding and marketing of products from the region.
- The meeting also discussed multi-modal logistics hubs to facilitate seamless cargo and passenger services across the Northeast.
Challenges & Way Ahead
- Terrain and Geopolitical Constraints: Myanmar’s internal instability and difficult terrain in the North-East continue to delay construction in some stretches.
- Implementation Pace: Several road and bridge segments remain incomplete, and harmonising customs and regulatory frameworks is still a challenge.
- Environmental and Social Concerns: Construction must address biodiversity loss, displacement, and sustainability.
- Synergy with National Schemes: Integration with initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project will be vital for long-term success.
Key Terms Explained
- Trilateral Highway – A transport corridor passing through three countries (India, Myanmar, and Thailand) designed for seamless movement of goods and people.
- Multi-Modal Logistics Hub – A facility integrating multiple transport modes (road, rail, water, air) for efficient logistics and connectivity.
- PM Gati Shakti – A central government initiative for integrated infrastructure planning and connectivity enhancement across India.
- Border Trade Infrastructure – Facilities at border points such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), warehouses, and customs systems that support trade.
- Act East Policy – India’s strategic and economic policy framework aimed at strengthening ties with ASEAN and East Asian countries.
Exam Hook
Discuss how the India–Myanmar–Thailand transport corridor can transform the economic landscape of India’s North-Eastern region and what institutional mechanisms are needed to ensure its success.
Key Take-aways
- The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway connects India’s North-East to Southeast Asia, boosting trade, tourism, and cultural ties.
- The project supports India’s Act East Policy and is crucial for the North-East Economic Corridor.
- Challenges include delayed infrastructure, regional instability, and the need for multi-modal coordination.
- Aligning with PM Gati Shakti and regional frameworks can ensure inclusive and sustainable connectivity.
- The corridor is part of a larger plan to extend India’s connectivity up to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, creating a pan-Asian highway system.
Mains Question
“Evaluate the role of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway in realising India’s Act East Policy and in enhancing regional connectivity of the North-East.”
One-line wrap: The India–Myanmar–Thailand Corridor is India’s road to the East — a vital artery that can transform the North-East into a thriving gateway of trade, culture, and strategic cooperation.
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