Connectivity Issues in India’s Neighbourhood © Asian Institute of Transport Development, New Delhi. First published 2008 All rights reserved The views expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations to which they belong or that of the Board of Governors of the Institute or its member countries. Published by Asian Institute of Transport Development 13, Palam Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110 057 INDIA Phone: +91-11-26155309 Telefax: +91-11-26156294 Email:
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[email protected] Website: www.aitd.net Contents Foreword i Connectivity: An Overview iii Perspectives on Northeast Connectivity 1 Mani Shankar Aiyar Imperatives of Connectivity 10 B. G. Verghese Connectivity and History: A Short Note 20 TCA Srinivasa-Raghavan India-China Connectivity: Strategic Implications 26 Gen. V. P. Malik Maritime Connectivity: Economic and Strategic Implications 36 Vijay Sakhuja Infrastructure, Northeast and Its Neighbours: Economic and Security Issues 66 Manoj Pant India-China Border Trade Connectivity: Economic and Strategic Implications and India’s Response 93 Mahendra P. Lama Connectivity with Central Asia – Economic and Strategic Aspects 126 Rajiv Sikri China’s Thrust at Connectivity in India’s Neighbourhood 146 TCA Rangachari Foreword The land and maritime connectivity have played a crucial role in political and economic evolution of the nation states. With a view to exploring the developments in this area in India’s neighbourhood, the Asian Institute of Transport Development held a one-day seminar on May 24, 2008 at India International Centre, New Delhi. The seminar was inaugurated by Hon'ble Mr.