The Stilwell Road was constructed during the Second World War to connect India to China through Myanmar. Over the years, the road was neglected, but now, China has rebuilt its portion of the road and Myanmar has begun work to revive its portion. The presence of this extended eastern commercial corridor can overshadow the half-century-old insurgency problems, boundary disputes and ethnic divides in our eastern regions. With some push, it can be the catalyst for economic integration of the eastern region, connecting Kolkata, India’s north eastern states, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Rebuilding the Stilwell Road requires an excellent understanding of the region and our foreign policy towards our neighbours. What should the Indian government do to revive this corridor and ensure efficient functioning of the same? How can the citizens and the private sector help in resurrecting this historic trade route? Gateway House hosted Ravindra Ravi, former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) of India in discussion with Brigadier (Retd.)Xerxes Adrianwalla, to discuss “The Stilwell Road: The Silk Road of the East.”
Ravindra Ravi served in the IB for 20 years, prior to which he served in the Central Bureau of Investigation. He is the recipient of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and Prime Minister’s Indian Police Medal. He has a Masters in Physics, and is an expert in conflict resolution, who has experiencing working with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
Brig. (retd.) Xerxes Adrianwalla served in the Indian Army for 30 years and is currently the Chief of Corporate Infrastructure and Group Security of the Mahindra Group. His qualifications include an MPhil and two Masters Degrees in Management and International Relations in India and abroad.
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