Guwahati: : Installation of a democratically elected government in Myanmar will further improve ties between India and Myanmar, which, in turn, will expedite the implementation of the Act East Policy. This was the view of the Government of India, which is keen on improving relation with Myanmar.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, highly placed sources in the Government of India said that of late, the Government of India has been initiating steps for improving ties with Myanmar and a democratically-elected government in that country would further improve relation between the two countries.
Sources pointed out that India has been taking steps for improvement of trade ties with Myanmar and recently facilitated visits of senior personnel of the corporate houses to the neighbouring country to pave the way for investments. Improving connectivity is another major goal, which is vital for the success of the Act East Policy. India has already constructed 160 kilometres of roads inside Myanmar and financial aid is being extended to that country for construction of new roads.
On the Act East Policy and vis-à-vis relation with Myanmar, sources pointed out that the Kaladan project has been expedited, under which, India is developing a port in Myanmar, while the India-Myanmar-Thailand road should be operational soon.
At the same time, steps are being initiated for construction of new roads and improvement of the existing ones leading to the international border with India, which is also vital for free movement of goods. In addition, the government is exploring the possibility of improving air connectivity to the East Asian countries.
Sources said that the mega plan to set up smart cities in the North East is part of the Act East Policy. The smart cities would result in generating economic activities and at the same time, the States of the North East would have to explore what they can produce for exporting to the East Asian countries, sources added.