India’s rockstar External Affairs Minister (EAM) is working like there is no tomorrow. Jaishankar recently humiliated western countries in their own backyard. Back in the country, he has taken on correcting domestic mechanisms for India’s foreign relations. Recently, he was in the North East and emphasised how global connectivity for the North East is good for the region as well as the nation as a whole.
EAM Jaishankar in North East
During his North East visit, EAM Jaishankar laid down the future pathway for the development of the region. He described how the Modi government has changed the face and perception around the region. Additionally, he also pointed out how the region is going to be a big catalyst for India’s strategic front.
Jaishankar was addressing the third edition of Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) conference in Guwahati. Emphasising how an inclusive Northeast could change the course of the world, Jaishankar said, “On a commercial scale, a world all the way to Vietnam and the Philippines, from Haiphong to Hazira and from Manila to Mundra, will open up, creating an east-west lateral with sweeping consequences for the continent.”
Read more: PM Modi is elevating the status of long-ignored Northeast India
Proceed with caution: Jaishankar
Jaishankar further said that development in the North East offers us great opportunities to further our relationship with ASEAN and Japan. Apparently, the work done towards strengthening connectivity, long term infrastructure in the region would further help in connecting with the neighbouring countries. Roping in the recently launched Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), Jaishankar said, “It will not only build on the partnerships that we have with the Asean and Japan, but would actually make a difference to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that is now in the making.
However, our pragmatic EAM was cautious in his approach. He emphasised on getting the execution right. A statement which can be termed as the very definition of a public servant’s maturity, Jaishankar said that the countries in the region can “overcome geography and rewrite near history” if they get policies and economics right.
How PM Modi changed the North East
While the strategic importance of India’s North-East remained an unchartered territory, PM Modi completely changed the dynamics of the region. In 8 years of his government, PM Modi has used the region as the centre point of India’s neighbourhood outreach. After it was confirmed that SAARC has become irrelevant, India started to look for ulterior regional forums which won’t be hampered by two Asian viruses named China and Pakistan.
That is where North East’s strategic significance came into the picture. The Modi government made sure that the people of the North East feel in sync with India and its goals. For this, the government did a lot of political and monetary investments. It helped in creating stable political units in the region. The stable politics opened the gates for Economic development.
Read more: The oft-spoken integration of the Northeast with ‘Mainstream India’ is now complete
North East became the backbone of Foreign Policy
Then the government set on to engage the North East in its foreign policy initiatives such as ACT EAST POLICY. With the passage of time, eliminating Chinese influence in the region also became a key goal. For this purpose, the government fast-tracked its BIMSTEC initiative. It started to engage neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand among others.
To ensure the seamless movement of economically important goods and services, the government is in the final stages of completing the BBIN agreement. In terms of road connectivity, India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is proving to be a huge booster for the region. Similarly, the government is also working on rebuilding railway networks that have been hampered since the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
But these developments have not come easy for India. Even now, the road ahead is difficult. But our EAM is determined. During the conclave, Jaishankar said, “But let me be frank about where we are. We have genuinely struggled with this very complex enterprise, but are more determined than ever to spare no effort in getting it done,”
Integration of the North East is the best thing that has ever happened to India. The region which had become a den of Chinese influence has now changed into a cushion for India. Chinese influence is now spread in only a few pockets, which will soon be eliminated. The gradual withdrawal of AFSPA will open the gate for further integration of the region.
Read more: The day is not far when AFSPA will no longer be required in the Northeast
Overcoming geographical hurdles is tough for any country. It involves lots of political and strategic manoeuvring. But, S Jaishankar is firm on his vision of India. There are no half-measures in his dictionary.