India’s ‘Look East’ Policy Has Transformed Into ‘Act East’

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

In News

• Recently, the Vice-President of India highlighted the transformation of India’s “Look East” policy into “Act East” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Historical Context and Evolution

• Look East Policy (Post-Cold War Era): Introduced by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1992, the Look East Policy sought to rectify India’s historical neglect of Southeast Asia, despite deep cultural and historical ties.
  • Initially focused on Southeast Asia, the policy later expanded to East Asia and Oceania.
• Primary Objectives: Enhance trade and economic development.
  • Strengthen strategic and cultural connections with ASEAN nations.
  • Draw inspiration from the economic success stories of East Asia.
• Initial Outcomes: Reduction of trade barriers to facilitate commerce.
  • Increased inbound tourism from Southeast Asia.
• Act East Policy (Post-2014): The Act East Policy was a direct evolution of the Look East Policy, emphasizing stronger action and outcomes. In 2011, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India to play a more active role in the Asia-Pacific, prompting a shift in approach.
  • In 2014, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj formally declared India was ready to “Act East,” a commitment reinforced by Prime Minister Modi.
• Key Advancements: Greater emphasis on concrete action and outcomes.
  • Integration of Northeast India as a critical hub for regional engagement.
  • Recognition of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic and economic priority.
• At the 2014 East Asia Summit, PM Modi introduced the 3Cs approach:
  • Commerce – Expanding trade and economic ties.
  • Culture – Strengthening historical and cultural linkages.
  • Connectivity – Building infrastructure and digital networks for seamless integration.

Objectives and Achievements of Act East Policy

• Strategic Expansion: Extended focus beyond ASEAN to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
  • Strengthened regional groupings like BIMSTEC, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• Enhanced defense diplomacy: Sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines.
  • Military logistics pact with Vietnam.
• Economic and Trade Ties: Reduction in trade barriers.
  • Greater economic integration with Southeast Asia via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
  • Increased foreign investment flows from the region into India.
  • India has elevated relations to strategic partnerships with Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and ASEAN.
  • India has invited ASEAN countries to join the International Solar Alliance, emphasizing regional integration and effective project implementation.
• Cultural and Soft Power Diplomacy: Promotion of shared cultural heritage, including Ramayana and Mahabharata traditions and Buddhist linkages.
  • Hosting of cultural events such as the Ramayana Festival with Southeast Asian participation.
  • India aims to revive and strengthen Buddhist and Hindu cultural links to enhance people-to-people connections and regional cooperation.
• Connectivity: Improved infrastructure development in Northeast India to serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
  • Major projects include:
    • India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
    • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
    • Rhi-Tiddim Road Project and Border Haats to strengthen connectivity.

Challenges and Areas of Improvement

• Strategic and Economic Challenges:Environmental impact of urbanization and industrialization in Northeast India.
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents strong competition by offering attractive financial incentives to Southeast Asian nations.
  • China’s BCIM-EC (Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar Economic Corridor) poses competitive challenges in connectivity and infrastructure.
  • Myanmar’s political transition is becoming increasingly challenging for India.
  • Despite its strategic geographical proximity to ASEAN nations, the Northeast is not yet fully integrated into India’s Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects.
• Soft Power and Cultural Challenges: China’s claim over Buddhist heritage challenges India’s narrative.
  • Limited linguistic engagement: Few Indian universities offer courses in Khmer, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, or Burmese.
• Connectivity Bottlenecks:Delays in infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
  • Underdeveloped transport and trade facilities in Northeast India.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• The road to greater Act East Policy will require infrastructure development, investment, and addressing security issues to ensure mutual growth and progress.
• India’s North-East must play a central role in strengthening ASEAN-India ties, benefiting from the region’s proximity to South East Asia.
• India’s connectivity efforts must address infrastructure gaps and ensure seamless integration for improved trade and interaction.
• As Southeast Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to climate change and non-traditional security threats, India’s role in regional disaster management, climate diplomacy, and maritime domain awareness is set to grow.
• India should also work to expand its network of strategic partnerships by engaging more proactively with middle powers in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: TH