For a major part of the post-independence period, ‘continental mindset’ had dominated Indian strategic thinking. Border disputes and wars with Pakistan and China have been the major factors that have contributed to this thinking.
The influence of continental mindset is evident in India-Southeast Asia relations. Currently, only two projects are underway to improve connectivity between India and Southeast Asia. One is the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, running from Moreh in Manipur state in Northeast India to Mae Sot in Thailand passing through Myanmar, and the other is Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
The trilateral highway is also expected to be further extended ....
