- India’s Look East Policy (1991), launched under PM P.V. Narasimha Rao, sought to correct historical neglect of Southeast Asia. It evolved into the Act East Policy (2014) under PM Narendra Modi, with a sharper focus on Commerce, Culture, and Connectivity (3Cs) and the Indo-Pacific.
- However, with the US retrenchment from East Asia and China’s growing assertiveness through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and security expansionism in the South China Sea, India’s East Asia engagement faces new strategic opportunities and challenges.
Historical Context
- 1991 Parallel: Just as economic reforms in 1991 coincided with the Look East Policy, today’s shifting geopolitics resembles another transformative moment.
- Act East Policy: From 2014 onwardsfocus expanded to Indo-Pacific; emphasized Northeast India’s role as a gateway.
Emerging Opportunities for India
Strategic Realignment
- Declining US influence creates scope for India as a balancing power.
- For Example, India engaged in BrahMos missile sale to the Philippines and entered into logistics pact with Vietnam.
- India also invited ASEAN to join the International Solar Alliance for energy security.
Economic Integration
- ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner (11% of India’s total trade).
- There is a potential to diversify supply chains amid China+1 strategy.
- Growing FDI cooperation is seen in Indian investment in ASEAN which reached $41.9 billion in 2019.
Connectivity & Regional Integration
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Project can integrate Northeast India with ASEAN markets.
- Border haats can be leveraged further to strengthen local trade.
Cultural & Soft Power Diplomacy
- Shared Buddhist heritage (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath).
- Ramayana-Mahabharata traditions resonate in Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
- Annual Ramayana Festival strengthens people-to-people ties.
Challenges in Implementation
Inconsistent Engagement
- ASEAN perceives India as hesitant and reactive, with delays in project execution.
- Example: Kaladan project delayed by nearly a decade.
Strategic Skepticism
- ASEAN nations cautious about India’s defense role due to its non-alignment posture.
- India’s absence from RCEP (2020) weakened economic credibility.
Domestic Constraints
- India’s inward-looking trade policy and slow reforms limit attractiveness.
- Northeast India’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
China Factor
- China’s BRI investments dwarf India’s outreach.
- Southeast Asia increasingly dependent on China for trade (China-ASEAN trade: $975 billion in 2022 vs India-ASEAN $131 billion in 2022-23).
Strategic Imperatives for India
Deepen Economic Engagement
- Revisit RCEP or alternative FTAs with safeguards for Indian industry.
- Promote supply chain resilience initiatives with Japan, Australia, and ASEAN.
Enhance Connectivity
- Fast-track Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Project.
- Integrate Northeast with Bharatmala & Sagarmala schemes for seamless trade corridors.
Strengthen Defense & Security Cooperation
- Expand defense exports (BrahMos, Tejas jets, Akash missiles).
- Joint maritime exercises for freedom of navigation in South China Sea.
Leverage Soft Power
- Build Buddhist tourism circuits with language support for Southeast Asian pilgrims.
- Establish epic-based cultural forums on Ramayana & Mahabharata traditions.
- Expand linguistic engagement — introduce Khmer, Bahasa, Thai in Indian universities.
Climate & Non-traditional Security Cooperation
- Collaborate on disaster management, green energy, and climate resilience (key ASEAN vulnerabilities).
- Promote International Solar Alliance projects in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion: India stands at a strategic crossroads in East Asia. Staying outside regional trade and security frameworks risks strategic isolation and pushing ASEAN further into China’s orbit. To realize the vision of “Act East to Attract East”, India must move beyond symbolic diplomacy to tangible economic, cultural, and security integration.
+1 Value Addition:
- ASEAN-India Trade: Grew from $2.9 billion in 1993 to $82.5 billion in 2020.
- Strategic Engagement: India became a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995 and a member of the East Asia Summit in 2005.
- Position India as a hub for Southeast Asian investment and tourism.
- Encourage student exchange programs and academic partnerships.
- Brand India as a sustainability leader in renewable energy and climate diplomacy.
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