Reconfiguring security: India's act east policy and its impact on Manipur

Abstract

This study analyzes the evolving security dynamics of Manipur's Indo-Myanmar border in the context of India's Act East Policy between 2010 and 2021, with key updates through 2024. While the policy has advanced regional connectivity and economic engagement with Southeast Asia, it has also exacerbated security concerns—particularly insurgency, irregular migration, and transnational crime. Applying Securitization Theory and Regionalism as guiding frameworks, the study explores how the policy's dual emphasis on development and security has influenced state narratives and interventions. Using a qualitative approach grounded in policy analysis, academic research, and verified media sources, the research finds that although infrastructure investments have improved economic access, they have also contributed to heightened militarization, displacement, and localized instability. The findings highlight the complex interplay between strategic regional cooperation and internal vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for inclusive, context-sensitive approaches to border governance in India's Northeast.