Importance of Northeast India as a cultural and trade link between India and Southeast Asia

Abstract

Northeast India is divided into Seven States. Geographically all the Seven States are surrounded by neighbouring countries such as China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Due to its location led to constant cultural and economic interactions with the neighbouring countries.During the colonial rule over Assam and the adjoining areas starting from the early years of the nineteenth century,trade underwent a dramatic change.The emergence of British India and drawing of few international boundaries isolated Northeast India from its neighbours.The region was transformed into a raw material territory and a market for British manufactured goods.The common history, trade ties between India and neighbouring countries got disrupted due to partition of sub-continent into India and Pakistan. It fragmented the territory, economic resources, and armed forces. Secondly, the regional security had changed considerably. Thirdly, partition, war, insurgency and diplomatic strain over long periods severed the trdae ties, and subsequently led to the closure of the border areas.