IIM Shillong organised a round table discussion on “Impact of unrest in Bangladesh and Myanmar on India” with special presence of Lt. Gen Rana Pratap Kalita

A round table discussion on the “Impact of Unrest in Bangladesh and Myanmar on India” was held on Tuesday at the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, IIM Shillong, in association with the Shankardev Education and Research Foundation.

Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, a former General Officer Commanding, Eastern Command, Indian Army, was a notable guest at the event. He gave a thought-provoking speech on the intricate problems brought on by the continuous instability in India’s neighbors.

The many effects of regional instability were discussed, with special attention paid to how it affects India’s national security, socioeconomic growth, and regional stability as a whole.

The discussions gained a great deal of depth from Lieutenant General Kalita’s knowledge and personal experience, which highlighted the intricate interactions between geopolitical, security, and economic considerations.

With an emphasis on border topology and the difficulties presented by a territory that shares 99 percent of its borders with five other nations, the Northeast territory’s (NER) particular topographical issues were thoroughly examined. Important issues were noted, including the possible socioeconomic effects of immigration, drug smuggling, and abuse of the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border.

The discussion also focused on the great socioeconomic prospects presented by connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which have the power to significantly boost employment and change regional economies.

It was emphasized how vital border security and stability are, and how urgent action is required to combat problems like drug proliferation and terrorism.

Furthermore, it was underlined how civil society groups support social welfare, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education, while also keeping an eye on security.

Lieutenant General Kalita called for concerted action from government agencies, civil society, and international players in his closing comments, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to security and development.

He underlined that both comprehensive security measures and sustainable development efforts are necessary for the area to have long-term peace and stability.

In order to address the complex problems affecting India’s Northeast and its wider regional ties, the roundtable gave experts, decision-makers, and other stakeholders a forum for meaningful discussion on these important topics.

In order to guarantee the security, stability, and prosperity of the area, the talks emphasized the need of integrated policies and international cooperation.