Latest news with #ActEastPolicy
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Is Tripura ready to lead the India-Bangladesh trade corridor?'
Rusan Reang Agartala: Despite the recent efforts of Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, particularly his 'Mango Diplomacy' aimed at fostering cordial relations with India, a pressing question remains: Is Tripura ready to become the Northeast Gateway for Bangladesh's trade corridor under India's Look East Policy? For decades, Tripura, like many other Northeastern states in India, has been landlocked, with the narrow Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck,' serving as its only connection to the rest of the country. This geographic isolation has hindered the region's access to mainstream economic development. However, Tripura is now emerging as a strategic link between India's Northeast and Bangladesh, playing a crucial role in the country's 'Act East Policy,' which aims to enhance economic cooperation and strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. Landmark infrastructure projects, such as the Maitri Setu Bridge in Sabroom and the Agartala–Akhaura Rail Link, inaugurated in 2021 and 2023 respectively, position Tripura as a vital India-Bangladesh trade corridor, connecting the landlocked Northeast to international markets. However, Tripura's potential as the 'Northeast Gateway' is not solely reliant on its geographic location; it also depends heavily on political will, cross-border diplomacy, and effective implementation. The Agartala–Akhaura rail link, which spans 12.24 km, connects Tripura to key industrial hubs in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, making Agartala the first state capital in India directly linked by rail to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Maitri Setu Bridge, which crosses the Feni River in South Tripura, stretches 1.5 km and links Sabroom to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, providing direct access to the Chittagong Port. This route significantly reduces logistics costs from Agartala to Kolkata Port by up to 80% compared to traditional routes through the Siliguri Corridor. However, these projects are not yet fully operational and remain subject to diplomatic negotiations, technical readiness, and policy alignment between the two nations. If the India-Bangladesh trade corridor becomes fully operational, it will significantly boost the region's growth, enhance logistics, create jobs, and position Tripura as a vital trade center for the entire Northeast.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Bridging Borders: Tripura's strategic rise in Indo-Bangla trade corridor
Rusan Reang Agartala: Despite the recent efforts of Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, particularly his 'Mango Diplomacy' aimed at fostering cordial relations with India, a pressing question remains: Is Tripura ready to become the Northeast Gateway for Bangladesh's trade corridor under India's Look East Policy? For decades, Tripura, like many other Northeastern states in India, has been landlocked, with the narrow Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck,' serving as its only connection to the rest of the country. This geographic isolation has hindered the region's access to mainstream economic development. However, Tripura is now emerging as a strategic link between India's Northeast and Bangladesh, playing a crucial role in the country's 'Act East Policy,' which aims to enhance economic cooperation and strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. Landmark infrastructure projects, such as the Maitri Setu Bridge in Sabroom and the Agartala–Akhaura Rail Link, inaugurated in 2021 and 2023, respectively, position Tripura as a vital India-Bangladesh trade corridor, connecting the landlocked Northeast to international markets. However, Tripura's potential as the 'Northeast Gateway' is not solely reliant on its geographic location; it also depends heavily on political will, cross-border diplomacy, and effective implementation. The Agartala–Akhaura rail link, which spans 12.24 km, connects Tripura to key industrial hubs in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, making Agartala the first state capital in India directly linked by rail to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Maitri Setu Bridge, which crosses the Feni River in South Tripura, stretches 1.5 km and links Sabroom to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, providing direct access to the Chittagong Port. This route significantly reduces logistics costs from Agartala to Kolkata Port by up to 80% compared to traditional routes through the Siliguri Corridor. However, these projects are not yet fully operational and remain subject to diplomatic negotiations, technical readiness, and policy alignment between the two nations. If the India-Bangladesh trade corridor becomes fully operational, it will significantly boost the region's growth, enhance logistics, create jobs, and position Tripura as a vital trade centre for the entire Northeast.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
India's Northeast: The new frontier in critical mineral security
The world is racing towards clean energy and digitisation, making critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths, graphite, and vanadium indispensable to 21st-century economies. These minerals form the backbone of modern technologies—from electric vehicles to semiconductors, from solar panels to defence equipment—yet the supply chain remains fragile and geopolitically vulnerable, risks India cannot afford to ignore. Therein lies the transformative opportunity: India's Northeast. Northeast India—comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—was long treated as a remote periphery, but the narrative has changed since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. Today, the Northeast has been prioritised like never before—politically, economically, and strategically. Infrastructure projects are now transforming the terrain and connecting the region to other parts of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a major development this month, the government announced that the Northeast is home to several critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, chromium, rare earths, graphite, and vanadium. The National Mineral Exploration Trust's ongoing survey has identified 38 blocks in the region, and seven have been cleared for auction. For a region that has long been at the margins of economic planning, these discoveries mark an opportunity for the Northeast to become a key player in India's clean energy and mineral self-sufficiency. The focus must now move from discovery to delivery—building infrastructure, refining capacity, and establishing a policy framework that transforms the Northeast's mineral wealth into a foundation for supply chain resilience and long-term economic growth. This will require a coordinated effort at multiple levels. First, connectivity must be accelerated. Although the road, railway, and air infrastructure has improved in the Northeast over the past decade, much more is needed. Projects like the East-West Corridor, expansion of the Trans-Arunachal Highway, and enhanced rail connectivity to the region should be a priority for the government. Improved connectivity is essential to reduce logistics costs and to integrate the region more seamlessly into the national supply chain. It will also give impetus to the Act East Policy, as the Northeast's location as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia will facilitate smoother partnerships with allied countries in the region. This would help create a secure, resilient critical minerals supply chain and contribute to India's role in shaping a rules-based Indo-Pacific order. Second, investment in local value addition is a must. While the discovery of these critical mineral reserves is important, there must also be investments in technologies required for processing and refining them. Investment in R&D should be a core focus, as it will help India acquire the necessary technical expertise and reduce its reliance on China in the domain of critical minerals. Currently, China dominates the global critical minerals supply chain and has not hesitated to weaponise this dominance—whether in trade wars with the United States or in restricting exports to countries that threaten its interests. India, too, has been a victim of China's monopolistic behaviour, particularly in segments like solar manufacturing and electric vehicles. Therefore, the Northeast cannot remain on the sidelines. These discoveries place the region at the heart of India's ambition to become a manufacturing and technological hub and offer an opportunity for India to become a trusted global supply chain partner—especially to countries seeking to reduce their dependence on China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Modi is uniquely positioned to unlock the economic and strategic potential of Northeast India. No other Prime Minister in recent history has shown the will and foresight to integrate the region with the rest of India as he has. Under PM Modi, the 'Look East' policy was transformed into the more ambitious and action-oriented 'Act East' policy. This was not merely a strategic rebranding—it translated into tangible on-ground developments. Major investments, such as the Tata Group's semiconductor plant in Assam, demonstrate that the region is no longer seen as a marginal player, but as a central part of India's growth story. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed sustained and significant infrastructure development. National highways have expanded, airports have not only been modernized but new airports have also been added. Initiatives such as UDAN have connected previously inaccessible districts like Pasighat, Tezu, and Rupsi to the rest of India, opening the region to tourism and commerce. Railway lines have increased, and power projects have been scaled up. The completion of the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam—the longest rail-cum-road bridge in India—showcases the Prime Minister's commitment to regional integration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Union government's vision continues to grow, as seen in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025–2026 Budget Speech, where she announced that 120 new airports will be connected within a decade and that helipads will be prioritized. This will be particularly beneficial for the Northeast. It shows there is awareness within the highest echelons of power that development of the region is not just about regional equity, but is essential for national growth and strategic readiness. Conclusion The discovery of critical minerals in the Northeast is not just a geological breakthrough—it is a discovery that can help India take a giant step toward economic resilience and self-sufficiency. India must act with clarity and urgency—ramping up infrastructure, investing in R&D, and aligning state and central policies seamlessly. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the region has been reconnected with the rest of the country. If managed properly, the Northeast's mineral wealth can propel India to become a reliable partner in the global supply chain. Execution is key. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is Research Fellow, India Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Rising North-East India: Frontrunner Of Development
Last Updated: PM Modi has embraced the region's potential through a comprehensive developmental project. The North-Eastern region of India, comprised of eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—is renowned for its beautiful sceneries and exceptional weather. This region, rich in both natural and artificial resources, has recently gained prominence on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the 'Rising North-East' summit has spotlighted the region's potential, leading to Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment interests, positioning it as India's next economic powerhouse. Modi has embraced the region's potential through a comprehensive developmental project. The Minister of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) highlighted eight key focus areas: agriculture, animal husbandry, sports, investments, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles, and handicrafts. The North-Eastern region shares international boundaries with Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Each state boasts unique cultures and traditions, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a culturally rich area. The region plays a crucial role in India's 'Act East Policy,' aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. With abundant natural resources and potential in agriculture and horticulture, the North-East is emerging as a hub for sustainable manufacturing and services. The region's diverse ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural landscape also makes it an attractive tourist destination, offering significant growth potential in tourism. Covering 2.6 lakh sq. km, the North-Eastern region accounts for 7.98 per cent of India's total geographical area and 3.78 per cent of its population. The terrain is a mix of hills and plains, with hills making up 70 per cent of the land. With a tribal population of around 54 per cent, especially in the hills, the region is home to approximately 135 Scheduled Tribe groups out of the total 705 across India. The area is rich in natural resources, including agro-horticultural and forest resources, hydroelectric potential, oil, natural gas, and minerals, making it ripe for investment and growth. Poor connectivity has historically hindered development, but transportation and infrastructure improvements are now a priority. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to enhance road infrastructure, such as the 3,000-km-long Trans Arunachal Highway in Arunachal Pradesh and the Dhola-Sadiya bridge in Assam, the longest in India. The Bharat Mala Pariyojana, a key highway development programme, aims to construct 35,000 km of highways across India, including significant projects in the North-East to boost connectivity and regional development. Air Connectivity New airports have been built, and existing ones upgraded, making air travel more comfortable and convenient. Incentives like reduced landing and parking fees have attracted airlines, increasing flight numbers. Improved air connectivity has made the North-East more accessible to tourists and businesses, boosting the local economy and regional growth. Rail Connectivity The Indian Railways has introduced special trains showcasing the region's cultural and natural heritage, promoting tourism and awareness. New and extended rail services have improved connectivity, contributing to economic growth. National Highways Expansion: India's National Highway network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 1,46,145 km in 2024, with multi-lane stretches increasing from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024. Bharatmala Pariyojana: Launched in 2017, this programme aims to develop about 26,000 km of Economic Corridors. By November 2024, 18,926 km of roads were completed. Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs): As part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, 35 MMLPs are planned with a total investment of about Rs 46,000 crore, expected to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo once operational. Civil Aviation Growth: The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 by September 2024. In the North-East, operational airports grew from 9 in 2013 to 17 by 2023, leading to a 113% rise in traffic. The UDAN scheme added 194 fixed-wing and helicopter routes, boosting tourism, investment, and business. Arunachal Pradesh's first Greenfield airport at Hollongi, Itanagar, connects it to major cities. Inland Waterways Transport (IWT): A state-of-the-art IWT terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, connected to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park, serves as an international port for Bhutan and Bangladesh, enhancing logistics in the region. The development of National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) and National Waterway-16 (Barak River) aims to reduce logistics costs. Urban and Industrial Growth: A semiconductor manufacturing plant is being established in Jagiroad, near Guwahati, Assam, in collaboration with the Tata Group. The first MMLP in India is under construction at Jogighopa, Assam, set to transform logistics, warehousing, and cargo movement. Policies and Schemes: Various state government initiatives like the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) aim at developing industries and generating employment. The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) focuses on enhancing infrastructure related to water supply, power, connectivity, and tourism. The Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned 90 projects costing Rs 3,417.68 crore under NESIDS in the last three financial years. The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) funds infrastructure and social development projects, promoting youth and women's livelihoods. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims at strengthening multi-modal logistics and seamless freight corridors. Bharatmala Pariyojana focuses on expanding highway corridors, enhancing inter-state and cross-border trade. The 'Rising North-East' summit highlights the region's critical position in India, providing immense opportunities to drive the Indian economy. About the Author Monalisa Deka Monalisa Deka has done Ph.D. in Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, JNU New Delhi. tags : Northeast India view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 17, 2025, 16:14 IST News opinion Opinion | Rising North-East India: Frontrunner Of Development Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
United News of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
EAM Jaishankar in Singapore, calls on President Shanmugaratnam, holds talks with DPM and FM
Singapore/New Delhi, July 13 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was on a day-long visit to Singapore, today called on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade & Industry Gan Kim Yong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. They reviewed progress of the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit and the Second round of India Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), which included areas of investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure, skill development and connectivity. They also exchanged views on ASEAN, Indo-Pacific and global developments. EAM also met Teo Chee Hean, former Senior Minister & Coordinating Minister for National Security and Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings. Their discussion focused on transformation underway in India and opportunities for Temasek to expand its investments in India, a statement said. The visit is part of continued high-level exchanges between two countries and reflects the importance India attaches to its relations with Singapore. EAM Jaishankar said in posts on X: 'Singapore is at the heart of our Act East Policy. Always insightful to exchange views there. 'Great to meet FM @VivianBala this morning in Singapore.' The Singaporean FM said in a post on X: 'As the world inexorably transitions into multipolarity, India will play an increasingly important role as one of these major poles of opportunity. 'Looking forward to seeing @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi for the 3rd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable.' On his meeting with the Deputy PM, EAM posted: 'Good to catch-up with DPM @GANKIMYONG this evening in Singapore. 'Glad to note the steady progress in various bilateral initiatives. Looking forward to the 3rd India Singapore Ministerial Roundtable.' UNI RN
