Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 20/09/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (20-09-2025).

📝 Model Answer

Q. “Myanmar’s political instability has become the biggest roadblock for India’s Act East Policy, undermining Northeast India’s connectivity ambitions. Critically examine its implications for Assam and suggest a way forward.”
(GS Paper II – International Relations | GS Paper III – Infrastructure & Security | GS Paper V – Assam and Northeast Development)

🔹 Introduction

India’s Act East Policy (2014) aims to transform the Northeast into a gateway to Southeast Asia. However, the post-2021 Myanmar coup turmoil has disrupted flagship projects such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project and the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, weakening Assam’s role as the nodal hub of regional connectivity.

🔹 Main Body

1️⃣ Importance of Myanmar for Act East Policy

Geographic Gateway: Only ASEAN country sharing a land border with India (1,643 km).
Connectivity Projects: Kaladan, Trilateral Highway, ICPs at Moreh & Zokhawthar.
Assam’s Stake: Guwahati & Silchar as logistics hubs; boost to tea, bamboo, horticulture exports.
Strategic Leverage: Counters China’s Belt & Road Initiative in Myanmar.

2️⃣ Impact of Myanmar’s Turmoil

Project Delays: Kaladan and Trilateral Highway delayed by over 5 years.
Security Concerns: Refugee influx, insurgent groups (ULFA(I), NSCN factions) using Myanmar’s soil, rising drug trafficking.
Economic Losses: Assam’s trade remains dependent on Siliguri Corridor; missed integration with ASEAN.
Diplomatic Weakness: China’s influence growing in Kyaukphyu Port and road networks.
Social Impact: Border communities in Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland facing refugee pressure.

3️⃣ Broader Implications for Assam & Northeast

Assam as Gateway: Delay undermines Guwahati’s role as multimodal logistics hub.
Tourism & Culture: Buddhist circuit, eco-tourism links disrupted.
Employment: Slower industrialisation, missed job opportunities for youth.
Strategic Vulnerability: Assam caught in geo-political rivalry between India & China.

4️⃣ Government Efforts & Partial Alternatives

Bangladesh Route Diversification – Use of Chattogram & Mongla ports for NE cargo.
Sagarmala & Bharatmala Projects – Strengthening port & road infrastructure.
BIMSTEC Engagement – Regional maritime and trade cooperation.
Security Measures – Enhanced surveillance, cross-border patrols, refugee handling.

5️⃣ Way Forward

Diversify Connectivity – Strengthen Bangladesh riverine & road routes to reduce Myanmar dependence.
Strategic Diplomacy – Engage ASEAN, Japan, and Quad partners to counter Chinese influence.
Security Integration – Joint patrols, better intelligence, and stricter drug/arms control.
Local Development – Skill hubs, SEZs, and agro-processing in Assam to leverage trade corridors once functional.
Resilient Infrastructure – Complete secure segments of Kaladan/Trilateral Highway even amid turmoil.
Community Participation – Include border populations in peace and trade facilitation.

🔹 Conclusion

Myanmar’s instability has stalled India’s Act East vision, delaying Assam and Northeast’s economic transformation. However, by adopting a multi-pronged strategy—diversifying routes via Bangladesh, enhancing security, and fostering resilient infrastructure—India can keep the Northeast engaged with ASEAN markets. Assam, as the natural gateway, will remain pivotal in this process, provided governance and diplomacy adapt to geopolitical realities.

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