In Bangkok, work is being undertaken to construct a 1,400 kilometer road to connect India with Southeast Asia. It is the first time a connection will have been made on land in tens of years and is likely to significantly bolster trade and cultural transactions between the regions.
During World War II many bridges were built in Myanmar. Now, 73 of them are finally being renovated thanks to Indian-based funding. This will provide a safe way for highway crossing for large vehicles. Once this has been completed all three countries will have access to the highway.
Further, there are negotiations are taking place to reach a tri-nation motor vehicle accord so that the new road will extend to Thailand at the Tak, Mae Sot district. Really all of this is just continuing an already existing trend. As Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, Indian’s Ambassador to Thailand noted: “There has always been a meeting of minds between India and Thailand. Our two countries share cultural, spiritual and linguistic links. With this road we will also have physical connectivity.”
Once the road is functioning, a true “Act East” policy supported by India will be in force.