Understanding India's Act East Policy: A Decade of Engagement

Understanding the Act East Policy

The Act East Policy represents India's strategic initiative to enhance political, economic, and cultural connections with Southeast Asian nations. Launched in 2014, this policy builds on the earlier "Look East Policy" and extends its scope to include countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan.

Importance of the Act East Policy for India

This policy is vital for India for several reasons:

• Economic Growth: Southeast Asia is a rapidly developing region. Strengthening ties can significantly enhance trade and investment opportunities.
• Security: The region faces multiple security challenges, including maritime disputes and instability in Myanmar. India's engagement is crucial for promoting regional stability.
• Cultural Ties: India shares deep historical and cultural connections with Southeast Asia, and the Act East Policy aims to reinforce these bonds.
• Countering China: With China's expanding influence in the region, the Act East Policy helps India maintain its strategic presence and balance power dynamics.

What is ASEAN?

ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic union comprising ten countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This collaboration facilitates regional cooperation and integration.

India's Participation in ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits

India's participation in these summits serves multiple purposes:

• Strengthening Ties: The summits provide a platform to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, security, and culture.
• Addressing Regional Challenges: Engaging with ASEAN leaders allows India to address pressing issues like the crisis in Myanmar and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
• Promoting the Indo-Pacific Vision: These platforms help advance India's vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Key Facts About the Summit

The recent ASEAN summit held in Vientiane, Laos, marks significant diplomatic efforts:

• Location: Vientiane is the current chair of ASEAN.
• Timing: The ASEAN summit commenced on October 6th, with the East Asia Summit scheduled shortly after.
• Other Attendees: Leaders from ASEAN nations, alongside representatives from Australia, Japan, and other key partners, participated.

Significance of the Summit's Timing

The timing is critical due to various regional developments:

• Myanmar Crisis: The ongoing conflict in Myanmar poses serious challenges to regional stability and connectivity.
• South China Sea Disputes: Tensions persist between China and the Philippines regarding maritime claims.
• New Japanese Leadership: The summit marks the first diplomatic engagement for Japan's new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.

Conclusion

As India commemorates a decade of its Act East Policy, Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits reflects India's commitment to strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. These summits play a crucial role in addressing regional challenges like the Myanmar crisis and maritime disputes while promoting India’s vision for a stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, Mr. Modi will experience the Lao adaptation of the Ramayana, celebrated as Phra Lak Phra Lam, showcasing India's cultural influence in Southeast Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Act East Policy?
Answer: The Act East Policy is India's initiative to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Australia and Japan, launched in 2014.

Q2. Why is ASEAN important for India?
Answer: ASEAN is crucial for India as it provides a platform for trade, security collaboration, and cultural exchanges, enhancing India's regional influence and economic growth.

Q3. How does the Act East Policy counter China's influence?
Answer: The Act East Policy helps India maintain its strategic presence and balance China's growing influence in Southeast Asia, fostering regional stability.

Q4. What challenges does Southeast Asia face that India addresses?
Answer: India addresses various challenges, including maritime disputes and political instability, particularly the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, through its Act East Policy engagement.

Q5. What cultural links does India share with Southeast Asia?
Answer: India shares significant cultural ties with Southeast Asia, highlighted by adaptations of Indian epics, such as the Ramayana, fostering deeper connections through shared heritage.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What year was the Act East Policy launched?
A) 2004
B) 2010
C) 2014
D) 2018
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which country is not a member of ASEAN?
A) Vietnam
B) Japan
C) Thailand
D) Indonesia
Correct Answer: B