Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with other nations, Issue: India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific.
Context:
Recently, India’s diplomatic engagement with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand has renewed attention to its Act East Policy. The outreach reflects India’s growing economic and security interests across the Indo-Pacific, at both bilateral and multilateral levels, amid uncertainty over the US role in the region.
Key Takeaways:
Explanation:
Importance of Act East:
- Southeast Asia connects India with major markets and sea routes.
- Modi has reframed India’s orientation, noting India once viewed itself via Europe and the Atlantic, but now looks toward the Pacific.
- The policy helps India balance China’s growing influence while positioning itself to “shoulder greater global responsibilities.”
- India’s Northeast can become a land bridge to Southeast Asia.
| ASEAN is an international organization that has 11 member countries in Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and East Timor. |
Strategic and Maritime Dimension:
- The Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) supports maritime security and resilient supply chains.
- The US has called on India to be a “partner and net provider of security” in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
- SAGAR, IPOI and MAHASAGAR present India as a responsible maritime partner addressing piracy, illegal fishing and disaster response.
Achievements:
- India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ties were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
- Cooperation has expanded with Australia, Japan and Pacific island nations, giving voice to small island states’ concerns.
- India’s inclusive approach favours ASEAN centrality over military blocs.
Major Challenges:
- Political instability in Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka disrupts India’s regional engagement.
- Poor Northeast infrastructure and delayed connectivity projects weaken last-mile links to Southeast Asia.
- Shifting US priorities create strategic uncertainty; India must counter China without appearing confrontational.
Way Forward:
- Complete connectivity projects through Myanmar and the Northeast faster.
- Deepen trade links with ASEAN while keeping cooperation inclusive and ASEAN-centred.
Conclusion:
The Act East Policy has transformed India into an active Indo-Pacific partner. Ambition must be matched by reliable connectivity and consistent economic engagement. Strategic cooperation, regional stability and ASEAN centrality together will strengthen India’s role as a trusted Indo-Pacific power.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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