Abstract/Summary
The Mekong subregion has received considerable attention from major powers due to its strategic location at the intersection of major Asian economies, wealth of resources, and increasing geopolitical significance. India was the first major power that initiated multilateral cooperation with this region in the early 2000s. However, India’s development partnership in the region has not been given enough attention, particularly compared to traditional development partners. This paper highlights India’s development assistance in the region through bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks. It provides a comprehensive overview of India’s development partnership and aid projects that have benefited the region in recent decades. The paper draws on India’s foreign aid data to explore the amount, geographical distribution, and development sectors to comprehend the model and motivations of India’s development partnership in the Mekong subregion. The paper argues that India’s development partnership in the Mekong subregion forms an essential aspect of its foreign policy and regional engagement, reinforcing its quest for leadership in the Global South. The paper contributes to a better understanding of development partnership in India’s foreign aid policy towards the dynamic region and, thus, its broader Act East Policy.
Read the full article here: https://iprr.impriindia.com/unfolding-indias-development-partnership-in-the-mekong-subregion-a-comprehensive-overview/
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