Insurgency in NE will not impact BCIM connectivity: India

India today said insurgency in the North East will not have any impact on its efforts to improve connectivity with Bangladesh, Myanmar and China under the 'Act East' policy.

"Once the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor comes up, I am quite sure things will be taken care of. We are committed to improving connectivity as part of our 'Act East policy'," said Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd) V K Singh, who is in Kunming city to attend the China-sponsored South Asia Expo.

"The incident you referred to, I am quite sure various security agencies in the ministry of home will take care of it," he said in a brief responseto question on the Manipur attack in which 18 soldiers were killed.

Singh is leading a 200-member Indian business and trade delegation which includes West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra to take part in the Expo.

India is the 'country of honour' at this year's Expo.

"It has been decided that we must upgrade our relationship that exists. To upgrade that relationship economic linkage and trade and commerce are the most important issues.

That is why they are being focussed on. Along with it people-to-people contacts are important. We are very sure these will create conducive conditions for resolving any problems that exist," he said.

Asked about the direction of the India-China relations after last month's visit by the Prime Minister, Singh said Premier Narendra Modi and the Chinese leadership had a great deal of discussion on this issue.

About India's concerns regarding the USD 47 billion trade deficit out of over USD 70 billion annual trade, Singh, who held talks with Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on the sidelines of the Expo, said, "we have already flagged this issue."

"Both the Chinese and Indian leadership are acutely aware of this issue. Various things are being thought of how we can curtail this trade deficit that exist at the moment. I am quite sure answers will be found very soon," he said.

Asked about the BCIM, which is part of the China-promoted Silk Road, Singh said, "historically many many routes existed. We had a silk route, spice route all kinds maritime routes also existed to promote trade and commerce."

"What is happening today is nothing new. It is revival of the trade routes and linkage. As we come into they will contribute to the promotion of trade and commerce," he said.
Singh said the India Asian highway project which runs through Bangladesh and Siliguri corridors will probably link up with BCIM and go up to Thailand.

Indian Ambassador to China Ashok Kantha said a joint study group is currently studying the BCIM project.

Once the report is ready it will be considered by the government.

India is backing the BCIM, which is part of China's Silk Road while silent on the Maritime Silk Road.

Indian officials say India will support the Silk Road projects wherever its interests converge.

"Various works are on the connectivity. It is part of our Act East policy. We are looking at all connectivity. Today we are connected to Yunan by road even though its condition is not good. We are looking at how to improve it," Singh said.

He said West Bengal has an important part to play in the Act East policy as it borders Bangladesh and has a sea exit.

"West Bengal also links up with important states of Sikkim and Assam. Therefore any linkage and connectivity to be created, West Bengal is an important state. In addition of the type of revival of various activities that have been taking place," he said.

Mitra said a number of investors from China have evinced interest to visit the state and explore investment opportunities.

A 20-member Chinese tour operators' delegation will visit West Bengal to promote tourism, he said.