Northeast India: A Deep Center of Tactical Influence and Diplomatic Challenges

#By Prem Sagar Poudel

Northeast India, which borders China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, is a region of great importance from a geographical, tactical, and cultural perspective. Its natural resources, biodiversity, religious heritage, and tactical challenges make this region special. Analyzing the strategic importance of Northeast India from various angles, I have attempted to discuss the steps needed to ensure stability and security in this region. I have attempted to analyze the importance of its geographical, strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions, clarifying the role of this region in Indian and international diplomatic perspectives.

While explaining the geographical and strategic importance of Northeast India, the stability of this region is of utmost importance not only for India but also for the entire South Asia and the international diplomatic context. The states in this region have concatenated borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, making their security and diplomacy highly sensitive and challenging. For example, regional unrest and movements in Assam and Manipur have significant implications for India’s internal security and diplomatic policies.

The geographical location of the states of northeastern India and the sensitivity of border disputes with China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh rapidly reveal the tactical importance of this region. India has felt the need to strengthen its military presence in the region while maintaining the status quo in border disputes with China in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.  Sikkim, with its proximity to China’s Tibet region, plays a special role in India’s tactical strategy, especially in its competition with China.

Insurgency and extremism have been a persistent problem in Indian states such as Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The agitation in Manipur, the NSCN (Naga)struggle in Nagaland, and the movement waged by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in Assam seems to have made the Indian government additional sensitive to political decisions here.

Northeast India offers a prosperity of natural resources. The oil and gas fields of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are a significant part of India’s energy supply fund. For example, the Dibrugarh region of Assam is a center of oil production, which has immense economic importance. The region’s mineral and natural resources not only contribute to India’s domestic economy but also influence international diplomatic relations.

The hilly regions of Sikkim and Nagaland are rich in mineral resources, which are important for India’s long-term economic development and development projects.  The hydropower potential of the reservoirs and rivers in this region is also of particular importance, which contributes significantly to India’s green energy production.

Northeast India is also an important region for biodiversity. High Himalayan regions such as Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have unique ecological significance. The wildlife and biosystem of the region, especially rare species like the lynx and white-lipped deer, are an integral part of India’s ecological heritage.

The hilly regions of Darjeeling and Sikkim are also important from a climate change perspective, which plays a significant role in India’s climate policy. The impacts of climate change could have a direct impact on border areas, generating challenges to India’s long-term environmental stability and diplomatic relations.

The religious and cultural perspective of Northeast India further deepens the importance of this region. The presence of the Rumtek Monastery, a major center of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, and the ancient Hindu and tribal religions of Manipur contribute to India’s religious and cultural diversity. This region has become an important destination for religious tourism, which helps promote India’s cultural heritage on an international scale.

Northeast India has become increasingly important in India’s tactical and diplomatic strategy.  The region is becoming particularly strategic based on the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy and India’s Act East policy. India has strengthened its military and diplomatic presence in the region, particularly to solve competition with China and border and ethnic conflicts with Myanmar.

The US and India share common strategic interests in the region. China’s growing influence, and political incidents in Myanmar, have encouraged India to maintain stability in the region. The US also attaches importance to this region for its tactical diplomatic interests and to curb China’s influence in South Asia. Therefore, a strong American presence can also be seen along with the Indian Army.

The strategic importance of Northeast India is not only seen from a geographical and military perspective, but also from its natural resources, cultural diversity, and international diplomatic perspective. The importance of this region has increased suddenly due to its borders with China and Myanmar. Security and stability here play an integral role in the overall diplomatic strategy and regional dominance not only of India but also of the region. To ensure stability and prosperity in this region, India needs to modify its diplomatic, military and economic strategies in favor of regional stability.