It is the so-called Look East policy-an economic and strategic orientation to South East Asia.The developing relations between India and Burma are a relatively recent phenomenon. Not only is India keen to gain access to Burma’s oil and gas, but a land route through the country to South East Asia is an essential component of its broader Look East policy.In January, India signed an agreement in principle with Burma and Bangladesh to build a pipeline from Burmese offshore gas fields via Bangladesh to India. India has also gained Burmese assistance in cracking down on various armed separatist movements based in northeastern India. The state of Assam currently produces about 15 percent of India’s oil needs.
» Read more: Economic And Strategic Orientation, Look East Policy
Tags: association of south east asian nations, east asian nations, economic tigers, south east asia, state of assam