13th Indo-Myanmar Regional Border Committee Meet
Date : 31st October 2018 at Mantripukhri Assam Rifles Headquarter -

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi, India has made significant progress on its ‘Act East Policy’. The policy focusses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region. The objective of the policy is to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. North East India has been a priority in the Act East Policy.

Seeing the importance of the policy, Manipur Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh has formulated the state’s own ‘Act East Policy’. Being India’s gateway to the ASEAN region, Manipur shares close affinity with the region in terms of culture, customs and food habits and is well-connected by air. The recent inauguration of Integrated Check post at Moreh and opening of Indo- Myanmar Friendship Road on 8th August this year is a significant landmark in achieving the goal of this policy. Also Continued progress on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway highlights the State’s relevance in the region.

Manipur’s proximity to Myanmar gives it an edge in the Act East Policy. Seeing the state’s importance, it is only natural that the next round of Indo-Myanmar Regional Border Committee Meet be held at Imphal. The Indo-Myanmar RBC Meet is a bi annual landmark event which provides opportunities for representatives of Security Forces and Civil establishment of both nations to discuss and resolve crucial issues.

The 13th edition of the meet is scheduled from 31st October to 4th November at the Mantripukhri Assam Rifles Headquarter and will see an active participation of both the Indian and Myanmar delegations. The 19 Member Myanmarese delegation will be led by Maj Gen Phone Myat, Commander, North West Command while the Indian Delegation will be led by GOC, 3 Corps, Leiutinent General Gopal R, AVSM, SM.

The speedy development of Manipur depends a lot on the success of the Act East Policy and thus on the close and cordial relationship between the Indian and Myanmar authorities. Considering the stakes at hand: a more stable and prosperous Manipur, emerging overland trade corridors to ASEAN, and new diplomatic leverage in East and Southeast Asia, the importance of the meet can not be emphasised anymore.