1. What is the Act East Policy?
The Act East Policy is India’s diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing its political, economic, and strategic relationships with Southeast Asian countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region. This policy seeks to deepen connections that extend beyond mere trade and cultural exchanges, encompassing strategic and defense cooperation.
2. How is it different from the earlier Look East Policy?
Launched in 1992, the Look East Policy primarily focused on economic and trade relations with Southeast Asia. In contrast, the Act East Policy, introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expanded this framework to include more robust diplomatic engagement, defense partnerships, connectivity projects, and security cooperation, establishing India as an active stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Why was the Act East Policy introduced?
This policy was initiated in response to shifting global power dynamics and regional influences. India aimed to enhance its role in Asian affairs by fostering partnerships in trade, security, and infrastructure development, especially with ASEAN nations.
4. What role has Prime Minister Modi played in this policy?
Prime Minister Modi has significantly transformed the Look East Policy into a more action-oriented Act East Policy. His visits to nations such as Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei have reinforced cooperation in sectors like fintech, maritime security, and diplomacy. Furthermore, he invited leaders from all ASEAN countries to the Republic Day celebrations in 2018, symbolizing India's deepening engagement with the region.
5. Which countries are the main partners under this policy?
The Act East Policy primarily focuses on the 10 ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also encourages broader engagement with East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
6. How has India’s trade with ASEAN improved under this policy?
India’s trade with ASEAN has seen remarkable growth, nearly doubling from $71 billion in 2016-17 to over $130 billion in 2024. ASEAN now stands as India's fourth-largest trading partner, while India ranks seventh among ASEAN’s trade partners.
7. What are the major infrastructure initiatives linked to this policy?
8. How has maritime security been addressed under this policy?
Maritime security has been a focal point, with India engaging in defense cooperation with countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This includes joint exercises, port visits, and the sharing of maritime domain awareness to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific.
9. What symbolic steps have been taken to reflect the importance of this policy?
Prime Minister Modi’s visits to countries like Brunei (2024) and the Philippines (2017) underscore India's growing diplomatic presence, with his visit to Brunei being the first by an Indian PM. Additionally, hosting all ASEAN leaders as Republic Day chief guests in 2018 was a significant diplomatic gesture.
10. How does the Act East Policy impact India’s northeastern states?
The policy emphasizes enhancing connectivity through northeastern India, which serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Infrastructure projects, such as the trilateral highway and cross-border rail links, are aimed at integrating the northeast into regional trade networks and fostering development.
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