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Q. India’s Act East Policy has gained renewed importance amidst Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Discuss the
policy’s key components and strategic implications. (150 words)
15 Apr, 2025 GS Paper 2 International Relations
Approach
Define the Act East Policy (AEP) and its importance in the current geopolitical context.
Discuss key components of the AEP and examine the strategic implications of the policy.
Summarize India’s role and the policy’s importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Introduction
India’s Act East Policy (AEP) is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing India’s engagement with
Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. It was formally adopted in 2014 as an
upgrade to the Look East Policy, the Act East Policy has become vital to India’s Indo-Pacific
strategy, especially amid China’s growing assertiveness, strengthening India’s role in regional
security and economic ties.
Body
Key Components of India’s AEP:
Economic and Trade Engagement: The AEP focuses on enhancing economic ties with ASEAN
nations through agreements like the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) and India’s
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Japan and South Korea.
The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit
Transport Project are vital infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity between
India and Southeast Asia, which in turn enhance trade and investment flows.
Security Cooperation: India’s AEP strengthens regional security with a focus on maritime
cooperation. Through the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), India deepens
ties with countries like Japan, Australia, and the U.S., promoting a rules-based maritime order.
It conducts joint military exercises (MALABAR, MILAN-Naval) and supports ASEAN
nations in Maritime Domain Awareness and capacity-building via initiatives like
Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs).
Diplomatic Engagement: India’s Act East Policy emphasizes active diplomacy and multilateral
engagement through regional forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia
Summit (EAS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and APEC.
Strategically, India is strengthening partnerships with countries such as Australia, Japan,
and South Korea to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Cultural Diplomacy: India promotes people-to-people connections through Initiatives like Yoga
Diplomacy and India-ASEAN Cultural Festival and the ASEAN-India Youth Summit, aim to
create stronger cultural ties, building long-term relationships based on shared values and
understanding.
Strategic Implications of India’s AEP:
Enhanced Regional Security: India’s AEP serves as a strategic response to China's Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in the South China Sea. By promoting a rules-based order,
India strengthens its leadership position in the Indo-Pacific.
Indo-Pacific Strategy Convergence: The AEP aligns India’s interests with global frameworks
like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), fostering regional cooperation on sustainable
development and maritime security.
Connectivity Initiatives: India’s focus on improving connectivity, particularly by linking its
Northeast region with Southeast Asia, opens new avenues for trade and infrastructure
development..
Multilateral Engagements: India’s active participation in multilateral forums like the Quad and
the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) amplifies its diplomatic influence. By engaging with
key regional players, India seeks to promote a rules-based international order, leveraging its
strategic location to solidify its leadership role in the Indo-Pacific.
Economic Opportunities: India’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region has also opened avenues for
diversified trade and investment. The policy fosters growth in sectors such as infrastructure,
connectivity, and energy, particularly with ASEAN countries.
Conclusion
India’s Act East Policy has become a central pillar of its foreign policy, shaping its engagements
with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. By focusing on economic growth,
strategic security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement, India aims to enhance its influence
and counter the challenges posed by China’s growing assertiveness. As geopolitical dynamics
evolve in the Indo-Pacific, the Act East Policy will continue to play a crucial role in India’s quest to
assert itself as a regional and global power.
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**India’s Act East Policy: Key Components and Strategic Implications (150 words)**
India’s **Act East Policy**, launched in 2014, builds upon the 1991 Look East Policy, aiming to
deepen ties with **ASEAN** and other East Asian nations. Its **key components** include:
- **Enhanced connectivity** (physical, digital, cultural) via projects like the **India-Myanmar-
Thailand Trilateral Highway**
- **Strategic partnerships** with ASEAN, Japan, Australia, and the USA under frameworks like the
**Quad**
- **Maritime cooperation** in the Indo-Pacific for freedom of navigation and regional security
- **Economic integration** through trade agreements and supply chain resilience initiatives
**Strategic implications** in Indo-Pacific geopolitics include:
- Countering China’s assertiveness through **rules-based regional order**
- Strengthening regional presence via **naval diplomacy** and **defence exercises** (e.g., Malabar)
- Enhancing India’s role as a **net security provider** in the Indian Ocean
The policy aligns with India’s **Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative** and supports a **free, open,
inclusive Indo-Pacific**, reinforcing its strategic autonomy.
**Source:**
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India – [ https://www.mea.gov.in ](
https://www.mea.gov.in )
- Indo-Pacific Division, MEA: [ https://mea.gov.in/indo-pacific-division.htm ](
https://mea.gov.in/indo-pacific-division.htm)
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Drishti IAS Moderator Mod > Munish Kumar − ⚑
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