ROLE OF BORDER TRADE IN ESTABLISHING POLITICAL TIES BETWEEN THE NORTH-EASTERN REGION OF INDIA AND MYANMAR

Abstract

While defining the role of nation-states in the international arena, national interest plays a definite role. In doing so, more emphasis is laid upon the Foreign policy of a nation as it plays a determining role in illustrating the outlook of the nation in front of the International Community, by shaping its course of action in relation to the rest of the world. In the process of maintaining their relation with each other, multiple aspects of social, political and economic spheres influence the nation-states. Among all, the economic aspect of a nation is closely linked with the political aspect. This work aims to analyze the political relation of North Eastern region of India with Myanmar in the light of economic cooperation as emphasized in both Look East policy and Act East policy. Myanmar, a strategic partner of India, is one of the South East Asian nations who shares international border with the North Eastern part of the Indian Sub-continent. In this paper efforts would be made to examine the various steps taken by the Indian authority for increasing connectivity via border trade so that it would help to develop its relation with the neighboring state of Myanmar. Trade implies exchange of goods and services which is possible only when there is a smooth connectivity across the borderlines. Border trade creates and maintains a peaceful and co-operational atmosphere in the border areas of the nation-states which will help them to develop friendly relation with their neighboring countries. It ultimately serves the interest of fulfilling the national interest which is the prime goal of Foreign Policy. Diplomacy helps in attaining such purpose. Trade politics assists in the collective development of countries with the support of bilateral trade agreements. Due to its geographical placement the Indian government wants to make its North Eastern region a gateway for strengthening relations with South East Asian countries by inviting the Global investors.