ABSTRACT
The present chapter examines the strategic importance of India’s Northeast region in the country’s Southeast Asia policy, the Act East policy, and the implications of its development for India-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) relations. While advocating the development of Northeast India through fostering closer engagement with Southeast Asia on the one hand, and integration with the rest of India on the other, it would be necessary to first lift the region out of the difficult socio-economic situation resulting from prolonged isolation, remoteness and other associated problems. Expanding capacity building and involvement of the local population would be crucial for making Northeast India capable of harnessing the India-ASEAN economic synergies. Accelerated development of the region is an essential requirement to get rid of the present situation where the gains of India-ASEAN integration have simply bypassed the region. Keeping in mind, the centrality of the issues and interests of Northeast India is critical in the implementation of the Act East policy.
