Improving trade relations with Bangladesh can greatly help Nagaland

Northeast India is fast gaining attention for its rich economic resources and strategic location. It is positioned to serve India’s strategic vision encompassed in the Act East Policy. Economically, the region has large deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and limestone, and a sizable proportion of land under cultivation for agro-horticulture products, bamboo, and rubber. Besides a wide range of natural, archaeological, and cultural tourist sites, this region also provides opportunities for medical tourism.

It shares international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. The region acts as a land bridge for India’s participation in institutional forums, including the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program.

Furthermore, access to Myanmar offers a great potential to integrate India with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Nagaland is looking to forge a mutually beneficial investment relationship with Bangladesh, taking advantage of the country’s port facilities to explore new trade avenues.