‘N-E states active stakeholders in ‘Act East’ policy’

Improving connectivity in northeastern states is the key to the success of the ‘Act East’ policy that seeks to strengthen India’s ties with countries in the Asia-pacific region, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said.

Ever since India transformed its ‘Look East’ policy to ‘Act East’ policy, there have been continuous efforts to make this relationship resultoriented and practical, he said at a seminar here yesterday.

The aim of ‘Act East Policy’ is to promote the country’s economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

It was originally conceived as an economic initiative, but has gained political, strategic and cultural dimensions, including establishment of institutional mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation.

At the ‘National Security Dialogue’ organised at the Maharaja Sayajirao University here, Singh called for greater connectivity between the northeast states and South East Asia with the aim to build ties with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.

“Connectivity is the most crucial factor in furthering India’s relations with South East Asia. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on improved airways, roadways, waterways, railways and information ways in this region,” he said, adding India’s northeastern states are active stakeholders in the country’s Act East policy.

“Continued development of relevant infrastructure, both within the (northeastern) states and at international borders, is necessary with a view to enhance trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties,” Singh said.