India’s Foreign Policy – Look East/Act East Policy
India’s foreign policy has evolved over the years, particularly in its approach to Southeast Asia. The Look East Policy, initiated in the early 1990s, marked a very important shift towards strengthening economic and strategic relations with countries in this region. This was followed by the Act East Policy in 2014, which aimed for deeper integration and proactive engagement with the Asia-Pacific.
Definition
The Look East Policy was launched in 1991 to enhance India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations. It aimed to boost economic cooperation, promote cultural ties, and enhance regional security. The Act East Policy, introduced in 2014, builds on this foundation. It focuses on proactive diplomatic engagement and seeks to strengthen India’s role in the Asia-Pacific region.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Look East and Act East Policies include:
- Enhancing economic ties with ASEAN countries.
- Promoting regional security and stability.
- Fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
- Strengthening India’s role in regional multilateral forums.
These objectives reflect India’s commitment to becoming player in the region.
Key Components
The policies encompass several key components:
Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation involves trade agreements, investment partnerships, and infrastructure development. For example, the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) was signed in 2009 to boost trade relations.
Security Cooperation
Security cooperation includes joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism initiatives. These efforts aim to address common security challenges in the region.
Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange promotes tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy. Initiatives such as cultural festivals and educational exchanges help strengthen ties between India and Southeast Asian nations.
Major Initiatives
Several initiatives have been launched under these policies:
- ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA): Signed in 2009 to enhance trade relations.
- Mekong-Ganga Cooperation: Launched in 2000, focusing on connectivity and cooperation in tourism, culture, and education.
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: Aims to improve connectivity and trade routes.
- Act East Forum: Established to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between India and ASEAN.
These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to encouraging regional integration.
Key Partnerships
India has developed strategic partnerships with several countries:
ASEAN
India’s engagement with ASEAN focuses on trade, security, and cultural ties. The ASEAN-India partnership is vital for regional stability.
Japan
The strategic partnership with Japan emphasises infrastructure development, technology transfer, and regional security.
Australia
India and Australia are strengthening ties through trade agreements and defence cooperation, enhancing their strategic relationship.
South Korea
Economic collaboration and cultural exchanges with South Korea have been fruitful, enhancing bilateral relations.
Regional Organisations
India’s participation in regional organisations is crucial:
East Asia Summit (EAS)
India actively participates in the EAS, discussing regional security and economic issues.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
India initially showed interest in RCEP but withdrew from negotiations in 2019, citing concerns over trade imbalances.
Challenges
Despite progress, several challenges hinder the effectiveness of these policies:
- Geopolitical Rivalries: Competition with China poses challenges in the region.
- Internal Security Issues: Insurgency and instability in Northeast India affect regional engagement.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Improved connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast are essential for better integration.
Addressing these challenges is critical for the success of India’s foreign policy.
Recent Developments
Recent developments highlight India’s evolving foreign policy landscape:
Quad Alliance
India’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with the US, Japan, and Australia aims to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
BIMSTEC
Strengthening ties with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries enhances regional cooperation.
Focus on Digital Connectivity
Initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure and cybersecurity cooperation in the region are gaining momentum.
Impact on India’s Foreign Policy
The Look East and Act East Policies have impacted India’s foreign policy:
- Shift from a primarily South Asian focus to broader Asia-Pacific engagement.
- Enhanced diplomatic presence and influence in Southeast Asia.
- Increased economic interdependence with regional partners.
These changes reflect India’s growing role in the international arena.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the future of India’s foreign policy under these frameworks appears promising:
- Continued emphasis on economic integration and security cooperation.
- Potential for greater involvement in regional multilateral frameworks.
- Strengthening ties with emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
India’s Look East and Act East Policies represent a strategic shift in its foreign policy. By focusing on economic cooperation, security partnerships, and cultural exchanges, India aims to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The challenges posed by geopolitical rivalries and internal issues require careful navigation. However, with ongoing initiatives and a commitment to regional integration, India’s foreign policy is set to play important role in shaping the future of its international relations.
