| Abstract: | The region of Northeast India holds exceptional geopolitical significance due to its strategic location connected to mainland India by the narrow Siliguri Corridor and sharing international borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This study aims to analyse the strategic imperatives of Northeast India within the broader framework of India’s national interest. It seeks to understand the region’s geopolitical relevance in the contemporary context, examining the security, economic, and diplomatic developments influencing policy formulation. It also assesses how regional dynamics shape India’s strategic priorities in the Northeast. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on secondary sources including government policy documents, academic journals, strategic think tank reports, and news analyses. It utilizes geopolitical mapping, case studies, and content analysis of strategic initiatives such as the Act East Policy and border infrastructure development. The region’s connectivity potential enhances India’s economic and diplomatic engagement with ASEAN countries. However, persistent infrastructure deficits, ethnic conflicts, and porous borders continue to impede strategic consolidation. Additionally, China’s growing interest across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its growing influence in Myanmar and Bangladesh necessitate proactive and coordinated strategic planning in the region. A strategically empowered Northeast India is imperative for India’s emergence as a major player in the Indo-Pacific. A comprehensive approach integrating defence preparedness, regional development, cross- border diplomacy, and cultural integration is essential to transform the region into a gateway for economic growth and strategic outreach. |
