Ten Years of India’s Act East Policy: Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Milestones

Over the past decade, India’s Act East Policy (AEP), launched in 2014, has marked a pivotal shift in India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, expanding upon the earlier Look East Policy to encompass strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions. With an emphasis on ASEAN centrality, defense cooperation, and infrastructure development, AEP has strengthened India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, making it a key partner for ASEAN nations amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. This milestone reflects India’s commitment to a stable and prosperous Southeast Asia and its proactive role in regional security.

Strategic Alignment and Defense Cooperation

A defining feature of India’s AEP has been the emphasis on strategic collaboration with ASEAN, aligning India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific with ASEAN’s outlook. India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, unity, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) has resulted in stronger diplomatic ties and deeper security cooperation. India has actively engaged in ASEAN-led forums such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM-Plus). The increased diplomatic engagement has culminated in initiatives like the first India-ASEAN maritime exercises in 2023, reinforcing India’s position as a key security partner in the region. Additionally, India’s participation in the Quad and other regional multilateral platforms underscores its focus on maritime security and freedom of navigation, addressing shared concerns over regional stability in light of China’s growing influence.

Economic Growth and Connectivity Initiatives

Trade and connectivity have been central to AEP, with India rising to become ASEAN’s seventh-largest trading partner, and ASEAN ranking as India’s fourth-largest. Trade between India and ASEAN grew significantly, reaching USD 122 billion in FY23, with projections to exceed USD 150 billion by 2024. While trade relations have deepened, significant trade imbalance remains, with India facing a trade deficit of USD 44 billion as of FY23. To address this, India and ASEAN are set to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025. In parallel, connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) are critical components of the AEP, aimed at enhancing physical linkages across Southeast Asia. Digital connectivity is also prioritized, with collaborative initiatives on semiconductor technology and Digital Public Infrastructure aimed at fostering technological partnerships.

Cultural Engagement and Soft Power Diplomacy

The cultural dimension of the Act East Policy leverages India’s shared historical and civilizational ties with Southeast Asia. AEP has promoted cultural exchanges through initiatives such as the revival of Nalanda University and the International Buddhist Confederation, fostering spiritual connections with countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Conclusion

As India’s Act East Policy completes a decade, it has yielded significant achievements in regional security, economic integration, and cultural diplomacy, strengthening India’s comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. Get more information about the issue in a detailed article here.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Challenges and Issues in Natural Gas Distribution Industry

Image
Natural gas is emerging as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Why? Because it results in less harmful gas emissions but equal energy production. India has been using natural gas for a long time now and wants to achieve a much bigger target by the end of this decade. Just like we have observed an increase in its adoption rate, some of its industrial and domestic uses have witnessed a significant drop. Over the last ten years, the number of CNG dispensing stations across India has increased sixfold and PNG connections by fourfold. This significant rise in natural gas consumption comes with some of its setbacks. These challenges in the Natural Gas Distribution Industry are as follows: Limited access to fuel Just because a relevant authority holds the license to City Gas Distribution (CGD), doesn’t mean it is catering to the diversified natural gas needs of the entire city. A major part of India has Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and connection but that doesn’t mean they a...
Read more

From Ad Hoc to Institutional: The Taliban’s Structured Approach to Governance

Image
  The   Taliban’s rule   in Afghanistan has evolved from a series of ad hoc measures to a more structured and codified system, reflecting its ambitions to consolidate power and implement its ideological vision. This institutionalisation process underscores the Taliban’s efforts to formalise its governance through a blend of traditional and new mechanisms, deeply influencing   Afghanistan ’s political and social landscape. Codification of Governance and Ideology The Taliban’s approach to governance involves the formalisation of its rule through the codification of both virtue and vice. This process is marked by the implementation of a set of regulations and directives aimed at shaping societal norms and ensuring compliance with the group's interpretation of Islamic principles. By embedding these regulations into the fabric of governance, the Taliban seeks to legitimise its authority and create a controlled environment that aligns with its ideological stance. Impact on...
Read more

Sri Lanka's Presidential Elections: Opportunities and Challenges for India

Image
  Sri Lanka's presidential elections represent a pivotal moment not only for the island nation but also for its regional neighbour, India. The outcome of these elections carries significant implications for India-Sri Lanka relations, influencing geopolitical dynamics, economic ties, and strategic interests in the South Asian region. Sri Lanka's presidential elections are set against a backdrop of political instability and economic challenges. These elections are crucial in determining Sri Lanka's path forward, with potential repercussions for regional stability and bilateral relations with India. Opportunities for India 1. Strengthening Bilateral Relations India has an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Sri Lanka through diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation. By supporting Sri Lanka in its recovery efforts, India can enhance its influence and establish a stronger partnership. India’s assistance in areas such as infrastructure development, eco...
Read more