Budget 2013: In Look East Policy, FM finally eyes linking Northeast India with Myanmar

GUWAHATI: In what is talked as first decisive steps for Look East Policy, Union Finance minister, P Chidambaram in his budget 2013-14 has proposed to link Northeast India to Myanmar.

Security analyst points this move as India's growing influence in Myanmar and countering the influence of China in the country. Finance minister has sought help multilateral development banks.

The minister said, "Multilateral Development Banks are keen to assist in efforts to promote regional connectivity. Combining the 'Look East' policy and the interests of the North Eastern States, I propose to seek the assistance of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to build roads in the North Eastern States and connect them to Myanmar."

North Eastern Region with a population of 45 million and a GDP of $59 billion shares a long land border with Myanmar, making it contiguous with ASEAN.

It is felt that with planned infrastructure projects on both sides of the border, economic cooperation will aid development for both regions.