Is SASEC road project India’s answer to China’s OBOR?

New Delhi: India is pulling out all stops to expedite the South Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation road connectivity program in the backdrop of China’s ambitious “One Belt One Road” initiative aimed at connecting around 60 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe. Once completed, the project being developed with Asian Development Bank’s loan assistance will not only help India connect with its neighbouring countries but will also play an important role in the Great Asian Highway. The Imphal-Moreh project corridor is also a part of Asian Highway 1 and will also strengthen India’s position at the global level as we are attempting to connect with our neighbours and fulfilling our commitments made at the international level,” said a senior Indian government official, requesting anonymity. Development of multi-modal connectivity between North Eastern region of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar has the potential of unleashing tremendous economic energy in the sub-region,” the Indian government said in a 1 April statement.