India's Look East (now Act East) policy is an effort to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia in order to bolster its standing as a regional power and a counterweight to the strategic influence of China. Initiated in 1991, marked a strategic shift in India’s perspective of the world. It was developed and enacted during P.V. Narsimha Rao’ government.
Recent Developments Moreh-Tamu Land Route Opened
Indonesia: A Close Maritime Neighbour of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid the first official visit to Indonesia on 29-30 May, 2018. His visit to Indonesia was a part of his five-day, three-nation visit to Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia - to boost the Act East Policy and strengthen ties with the ASEAN countries. Agreements Signed Maritime Cooperation: India and Indonesia will develop a naval port in Sabang, a strategic location on the tip of Sumatra Island and at the entrance of the vital Malacca Straits. The two countries also agreed to step up defence and maritime cooperation, with both countries agreeing to align their national maritime policies - India’s Indo-Pacific policy with Indonesia’s policy of ‘global maritime fulcrum’. Free Visa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited the diaspora to travel to their country of origin to experience the ‘New India’. Bilateral Trade: India and Indonesia agreed to double their efforts to boost bilateral trade to $ 50 billion by 2025. Signing of Two Major Agreements: India and Indonesia signed two major agreements on defence and space, 13 MoUs on trade, culture, archaeology, etc. Exercise Komodo
Strategic Importance of Asia’s Longest Bi-directional Tunnel
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In November 2014, Look East policy was renamed as “Act East” policy by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 9th East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Approaches Evolved for Act East Policy |
Multidimensional Approach: Various plans at bilateral and regional levels include steady efforts to develop and strengthen connectivity of Northeast with the ASEAN region through trade, culture, people-to-people contacts and physical infrastructure (road, airport, telecommunication, power, etc.). Some of the major projects include Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, Rhi-Tiddim Road Project, Border Haats, etc. |
Regional Cooperation: The ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the period 2016-20 has been adopted in August 2015 which identifies concrete initiatives and areas of cooperation along the three pillars of political-security, economic and socio-cultural. India continues with stepped up efforts to forge closer partnership with concerned regional and Multilateral Organisations such as ASEAN, ARF, EAS, BIMSTEC, ACD, MCG and IORA. |
Cultural Contacts: On the Civilisational front, Buddhist and Hindu links could be energized to develop new contacts and connectivity between people. On Connectivity, special efforts are being made to develop a coherent strategy, particularly for linking ASEAN with our North East. Measures, including building transport infrastructure, encouraging airlines to enhance connectivity in the region, contacts between academic and cultural institutions are underway. |
Economic Cooperation: India’s economic engagement with ASEAN has been stepped up – regional integration and implementation of projects are priorities. The ASEAN-India Agreement on Trade in Service and Investments has entered into force for India and seven ASEAN countries from 1 July 2015. The ASEAN-India Trade Negotiating Committee has been tasked to undertake a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. |
Mutual Strategic Interest: On strategic issues, India has increasing convergence on security interests with key partners both in bilateral and multilateral format. Closer cooperation in combating terrorism, collaborating for peace and stability in the region and promotion of maritime security based on international norms and laws are being pursued. |
Objectives of the “Act East Policy”
Criticism of India’s Act East Policy
Ways to Improve
If India wants its Act East policy to be successful it needs to take a number of further steps:
ASEAN -India Rising Bonhomie
Background
Significance for India
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ASEAN-India Summits and East Asia Summits: Past, Present and Projected | ||||
Year | Venue (ASEAN) | ASEAN-India Summit | East Asia Summit | Host & Venue (EAS) |
2020 | Vietnam | 18th | 15th EAS | Vietnam |
2019 | Thailand | 17th | 14th EAS | Thailand |
2018 Nov | Singapore | Breakfast Informal Summit | 13th EAS 14-15 Nov | Central Area, Singapore |
2018 25 Jan | New Delhi |
Commemorative Summit |
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2017 14 Nov | Manila,Philippines | 15th | 12th EAS, Pasay, Ph. 13-14 Nov | Pasay, Philippines |
2016 08 Sep | Vientiane, Laos | 14th | 11th EAS, 6-8 Sep |
Vientiane, Laos |
2015 | Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia | 13th | 10th EAS 21-22 Nov | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
2014 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar | 12th 12-13 Nov | 9th EAS | Nay Pyi Taw Myanmar (Burma) |
2013 9-10 Oct | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | 11th | 8th EAS 9-10 Oct |
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei |
2012 20-21 Dec | New Delhi | Commemorative Summit | ||
2012 19 Nov | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 10th | 7th EAS 19-20 Nov | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
2011 19 Nov | Bali, Indonesia | 9th | 6th EAS 18-19 Nov |
Bali, Indonesia |
2010 30 Oct | Hanoi, Vietnam | 8th | 5th EAS 30 Oct | Hanoi, Vietnam |
2009 24 Oct | Thailand | 7th | 4th EAS 25 Oct | Cha-am & Hua Hin, Thailand |
2007 | Singapore | 6th 21 Nov | 3rd EAS 21 Nov |
Singapore |
2007 14 Jan | Cebu, Philippines | 5th | 2nd EAS 15 Jan | Mandaue, Philippines |
2005 13 Dec | Kuala Lumpur, | 4th | 1st EAS 14 Dec 2005 |
Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia |
2004 30 Nov | Vientiane, Laos | 3rd | ||
2003 | Bali, Indonesia | 2nd | ||
2002 5 Nov | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 1st |