Manipur Should be a Vital Gateway of Southeast Asia to India. Explaining Why?
Manipur, a state in Northeast India, is strategically positioned to serve as a vital gateway for Southeast Asia to India due to its unique geographical, cultural, and economic advantages. Below are the key reasons, explained concisely: 1. Geographical Proximity: Manipur shares a 398-km international border with Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation. This makes it a natural entry point for trade and connectivity with countries like Thailand, Laos, and beyond, via Myanmar. 2. Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia. Manipur’s location makes it a critical hub for implementing this policy, facilitating cross-border trade, investment, and infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. 3. Trade Potential: Manipur’s border town, Moreh, is a key trading point with Myanmar. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh enhances trade efficiency, enabling goods from Southeast Asia to enter India and vice versa, boosting economic ti...