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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 31/03/2025

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 (31-03-2025).

Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – International Relations):

“How does the operationalization of Sittwe Port enhance India’s Act East Policy and regional connectivity? Discuss its strategic, economic, and geopolitical implications for Northeast India.”

Model Answer:

The Sittwe Port isn’t just a maritime facility—it’s a strategic gateway into Southeast Asia, breathing life into India’s long-aspired Act East Policy while linking the neglected Northeast to global trade routes.

1. Strategic Importance of Sittwe Port

Location Advantage:
- Located in Rakhine State, Myanmar, at the mouth of Kaladan River.
- Developed under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP).
Alternate Route to the Northeast:
- Reduces dependence on the Chicken’s Neck (Siliguri Corridor).
- Bypasses bottlenecks via sea (Kolkata–Sittwe) and river-road (Paletwa–Zorinpui–Mizoram).

2. Enhancing the Act East Policy

a) Connectivity Integration

India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway + Kaladan Project = East-West Economic Corridor
Boosts India’s aim to integrate with ASEAN logistics networks

b) Diplomatic Footprint

Increases India’s visibility in Bay of Bengal geopolitics
Strengthens bilateral ties with Myanmar amid growing Chinese presence in the region

3. Economic Implications for Northeast India

Opportunities	Examples
Trade Facilitation	Export of bamboo, spices, handicrafts from Mizoram & Assam to ASEAN
Tourism Potential	Buddhist heritage circuits linking India–Myanmar
Local Employment	Infrastructure & logistics growth in Mizoram border towns

4. Geopolitical and Security Dimensions

Countering China’s Influence:
- Offers strategic counterweight to China’s Kyaukphyu port (Rakhine State, Myanmar)
Maritime Security:
- Greater engagement in Bay of Bengal security architecture

🔁 Flowchart: Kaladan Project – Seamless Multimodal Corridor

Kolkata (Sea) → Sittwe Port (Sea) → Paletwa (River) → Zorinpui (Road) → Mizoram → India’s Northeast

5. Challenges in Implementation

Security Instability: Ethnic conflict in Myanmar (e.g., Arakan Army in Rakhine)
Infrastructure Gaps: Delays in road connectivity from Paletwa to Indian border
Maintenance & Cost Issues: River navigation and logistics need constant support

📊 Relevant Data and Indices

World Bank Logistics Performance Index (2023): India ranked 38th – improving, but regional bottlenecks remain.
India-ASEAN Trade (2022-23): $131 billion; potential to increase via NE corridors.
Act East Policy (2014 Onwards): Recognized as strategic shift from “Look East” → “Act East” (MEA)

Conclusion

Sittwe Port is not merely an infrastructure project—it is a transformative step in anchoring Northeast India into global economic currents. Its success could redefine India’s regional leadership and economic diplomacy in Southeast Asia.

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