Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
In News:PM Modi’s visit to Brunei and Singapore: What is India’s Act East Policy?
India’s Act East Policy represents a strategic shift towards strengthening economic, strategic, and diplomatic ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.Comment.
India’s Act East Policy, initiated in 2014, is an extension of the Look East Policy which marks a significant strategic shift with an upgraded focus on deepening ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Partnerships
- Defence Cooperation: India has strengthened defence cooperation with countries in the region, including joint military exercises and arms sales.
- Maritime Security: India has been actively involved in maritime security initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, working with regional partners to address piracy and illegal fishing. India’s presence in the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, has also allowed it to influence maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Rising China: The increasing influence of China in the region has prompted India to seek to counterbalance its growing power.
- Indo-Pacific Concept: India’s embrace of the Indo-Pacific concept, which emphasises connectivity, cooperation, and security in the region, aligns with its broader strategic interests.
Economic Opportunities
- Growing Markets: Southeast Asia represents a lucrative market for Indian goods and services, offering opportunities for economic growth and diversification.
- Connectivity: India has been investing in infrastructure projects, to enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia.One of the major goals include strengthening connectivity between India’s Northeastern states and neighbouring countries, fostering closer socio-economic ties.Example:India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project,Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link.
Diplomatic Engagement:
- The policy emphasises deepening diplomatic ties through high-level visits, multilateral engagements, and strategic partnerships. Recent PM’s visits to Brunei and Singapore are in this direction.
- India has sought to enhance its relationships with key regional players through platforms like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). This diplomatic engagement helps India position itself as a key player in regional forums and dialogues.
- Shared Heritage: India and many Southeast Asian countries share historical and cultural ties, which provide a strong foundation for cooperation.
- People-to-People Exchanges: India has been promoting people-to-people exchanges to foster understanding and goodwill.
The Act East Policy reflects India’s strategic pivot towards a region that is increasingly important in global geopolitics and economic dynamics.
| PYQ : Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context.2017Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.2016 |