Bhutan is set to benefit from India’s ambitious Act East Policy, which, along with significant infrastructure projects, is poised to boost connectivity and economic integration in the region. Speaking at the recently concluded “Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025,” Bhutan’s Ambassador to India, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, outlined how initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, inland waterways, and enhanced air connectivity are unlocking new economic opportunities for his country.
Ambassador Namgyel emphasized that the Act East Policy, a strategic initiative by India aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, could serve as a catalyst for Bhutan’s long-term growth. “As a landlocked nation neighboring India’s northeastern states, Bhutan was heartened by the prospect of enhanced connectivity through this policy. The emerging land routes, particularly via the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, represent a major breakthrough for us,” he remarked during the Act East, Act Fast, and Act First session.
The Ambassador highlighted that, despite the Asian Highway project still being in its developmental phase, the ongoing efforts to establish a direct land route through India to Southeast Asia signal promising prospects for trade and economic expansion. In addition to the land connectivity enhancements, he pointed out that India’s efforts to bolster maritime commerce through inland waterways have also been beneficial. Bhutan now enjoys access to the inland waterway through Dhubri, complemented by the new terminal at Jogighopa, which opens up trade links with Assam and Bangladesh.
Air connectivity has not been left behind in these advancements. Bhutan is now connected to key destinations such as Assam and Singapore via Guwahati’s international airport, facilitating smoother travel and business relations.
In a nod to the collaborative spirit behind these initiatives, Ambassador Namgyel acknowledged contributions from global partners. He cited Japan, Singapore, and the European Union as key players whose economic and industrial support is integral to the success of the Act East Policy. “Japan’s role as the first industrialized country in Asia and its G7 membership, Singapore’s dynamic economic model within ASEAN, and the encouragement from Europe all add momentum to this transformative policy,” he stated.
The Ambassador also underscored the potential synergies between Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City project and India’s Act East Policy. He expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his full support of the project, envisioning a future where the two nations could leverage complementary strengths to foster regional prosperity.
The two-day summit in Guwahati, noted as the largest investment promotion and facilitation event hosted by the Assamese government, clearly illustrated the region’s commitment to enhanced connectivity and economic growth. As Bhutan looks to tap into these new opportunities, the collaborative efforts under India’s Act East Policy are expected to pave the way for increased trade, improved infrastructure, and sustained regional integration.
