Abstract :
The proposed Trilateral Expressway passing between India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT) is regarded as a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing smooth connectivity in the region of South Asia and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the multidimensional impact of the IMT expressway on trade, commerce and cultural ties in the region. It reviews the financial prospects of the participating nations as a result of implementation of the proposed project. Even though the IMT expressway claims high cut-offs in the time and costs of logistics, creation of new markets and stronger cultural exchanges in the region, it is susceptible to several adverse conditions and obstacles. The political unrest and security issues in Myanmar, a major participant of the project raise serious concerns in reaping the complete benefits of the of the project. Discrepancies in the regulatory mechanisms and lack of synchronization in allocation of funds for the project are few other impediments of this venture. The paper views that despite several impediments and adversities, the IMT expressway would become a turning point in the history of the three nations and the whole region. It can largely contribute to the long-term cooperation and economic progress of the region.
Keywords :
ASEAN, Connectivity, Cultural Exchange, Economic Integration, IMT, Industrial Corridor, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tourism, Trade, Trilateral Expressway.References :
- Shilpy Bisht (2024), How India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Will Bolster Economic Growth And Regional Cooperation, News 18, https://www.news18.com/explainers/how-india-myanmar-thailand-trilateral-highway-will-bolster-economic-growth-and-regional-cooperation-9082672.html
- Soumya Bhowmick (2024), Trilateral highway is the road to regional economic connectivity, East Asia Forum, https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/08/07/trilateral-highway-is-the-road-to-regional-economic-connectivity/
- TT Lian (2023), The Indian Trilateral Highway Project and Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/the-indian-trilateral-highway-project-and-myanmars-spring-revolution/
- Sreeparna Banerjee (2023), Enhancing connectivity and regional integration: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, ORF, https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/enhancing-connectivity-and-regional-integration
- ERIA (2020), ‘Introduction’, in The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Its Possible Eastward Extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Viet Nam: Challenges and Opportunities. ERIA Research Project Report FY2020 no.02a, Jakarta: ERIA, pp.1-1–1-27.
- De, Prabir & Dash, Priyadarshi & Kumarasamy, Durairaj. (2020). Background Papers 1 Trilateral Highway and Northeast India: Economic Linkages, Challenges and Way Forward.
- Myanmar, Myo. (2018). India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: A Promise to Transform the Region’s Economic Landscape.
- Rupakjyoti Borah (2017), India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: A Promise to Transform the Region’s Economic Landscape, Japan Forward, https://japan-forward.com/india-myanmar-thailand-trilateral-highway-a-promise-to-transform-the-regions-economic-landscape/
- S. Seshadri (2014), Transforming Connectivity Corridors between India and Myanmar into Development Corridors, RIS, https://www.ris.org.in/sites/default/files/Publication/Trans%20Report.pdf
- John Ranjan Mukherjee, Eastern Highways Game Changers of the North East: India’s Infrastructure Development Projects in Myanmar, The Calcutta Journal of Global Affairs, https://www.globaljournalceners.org/article.php?e=40
