How has india ‘Act East Policy’ transformed its relationship with the east Asian countries? Illustrate your answer.

India’s ‘Act East Policy (AEP)’, announced in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an upgraded and action-oriented version of the ‘Look East Policy’ (1991). While the Look East Policy emphasized economic engagement, the Act East Policy expands to strategic, connectivity, cultural, and people-to-people dimensions. It seeks to strengthen India’s ties with the ASEAN, East Asia, and Indo-Pacific region, enhancing India’s role as a balancing power in Asia.

Transformation in India’s Relationship with East Asian Countries

1. Strategic and Security Engagement

• Shift from Economic to Strategic Depth: India is now a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific architecture, working with Japan, Australia, and the US under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).
• Maritime Security Cooperation: Regular bilateral and multilateral naval exercisesn MALABAR (with Japan, Australia, USA), SIMBEX (with Singapore), and JIMEX (with Japan) enhance interoperability.

2. Economic and Trade Relations

• ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (2009) expanded under Act East Policy.
• Trade with ASEAN reached $131 billion in 2023–24, making it India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
• India–Japan Economic Partnership: Japan is among India’s top 5 FDI investors, with cumulative investments exceeding $40 billion (DPIIT, 2024).
• Emerging Engagements: India–South Korea CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) revised in 2023; negotiations ongoing to enhance trade and technology cooperation.

3.Connectivity and Infrastructure Development

• North-East as the Gateway to East Asia: The AEP focuses on transforming India’s North-East into a commercial bridge with ASEAN.
• India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway nearing completion; planned extension to Vietnam and Cambodia.
• Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project connects Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port (Myanmar) via Mizoram operational in 2024.
• Cultural and People-to-People Diplomacy: India leverages shared civilizational ties Buddhism, Hinduism, and linguistic links to strengthen soft power.
• Tourism and Migration: Large Indian diaspora in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia serves as an economic and cultural bridge.

4.Political and Multilateral Cooperation

India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022) institutionalizes cooperation in defense, digital, and disaster management.

India’s role in Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI, 2019) promotes maritime cooperation, sustainable connectivity, and blue economy.

Recent Government Initiatives (2023–25)

1. Act East Connectivity Projects Mission (2023): ₹25,000 crore fund for border infrastructure and cross-border trade routes.
2. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): India joined negotiations with 13 East Asian economies on clean economy and supply chain resilience.
3. North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS, 2022–26): Incentivizing industries to utilize AEP-linked trade corridors.
4. Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Humanitarian outreach during disasters in East Asian and Indo-Pacific nations.

The Act East Policy has successfully transformed India’s engagement from a limited economic initiative into a comprehensive strategic framework encompassing security, connectivity, culture, and commerce. It redefines India’s identity as an Indo-Pacific power, bridging South Asia with East Asia through cooperation and trust.

As Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Act East is not just a policy it is a pathway to peace, prosperity, and partnership in the Indo-Pacific century.”