The rapid democratisation in Myanmar has opened our border with ASEAN and set the stage for exceptional regional growth. A series of high-level visits are planned: after 25 years of diplomatic ambivalence, India’s prime minister will visit Myanmar on May 28. The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister, Dipu Moni, visited New Delhi on May 7 to pursue the Indo-Bangladesh agenda, and discuss the Teesta water-sharing accord. Will the fractious posturing by West Bengal stymie this momentous opportunity for India to regain the vibrancy of its historical relationships in the region? Does the path to regional integration run through our North East?
Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations hosted a discussion between Sudeep Chakravarti (Author and Journalist) and Ambassador Neelam Deo (Director of Gateway House) to discuss the political issues and economic and strategic opportunities of India’s north eastern states. The event was moderated by Gateway House’s Geoeconomics Researcher Akshay Mathur. The meeting focused on the importance of safeguarding India’s vital interests with eastern neighbours like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal.