Answer: 

Introduction:

India’s Look East Policy (LEP) was launched in 1991 to strengthen India’s economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. It aimed to leverage India’s geographical proximity to these regions and tap into their dynamic economies to accelerate India’s own economic growth.

India’s Look East Policy of the Post-Cold War International Scenario:

• Economic Dimension:
  • Integration with ASEAN: The Look East Policy resulted in India’s inclusion as a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995, leading to increased economic cooperation.
  • Trade: India-ASEAN trade increased from $2.9 billion in 1993 to $82.5 billion in 2020.
  • Investment: Indian investment in ASEAN reached $41.9 billion in 2019, with sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy attracting significant inflows.
  • Economic Reforms: India’s economic reforms attracted foreign investment and boosted growth.
  • Liberalization: Liberalization policies initiated in the 1990s led to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.
  • Privatization: Privatization of state-owned enterprises improved efficiency and competitiveness.
• Strategic Dimension:
  • Counterbalancing China: Look East Policy aimed to counterbalance China’s influence in Southeast Asia.
  • Maritime Cooperation: India collaborated with ASEAN nations in maritime security initiatives to maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Regional Groupings: India became a member of the East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2005, contributing to regional security discussions.
• Strengthening India’s Position:
  • Security Cooperation: India enhanced security partnerships with ASEAN countries through joint military exercises and defense cooperation agreements.
  • Regional Power: India’s active engagement in ASEAN-led forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) solidified its role as a regional power.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure:
  • India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: The highway project aimed to improve connectivity and trade between India and Southeast Asia.
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: This project aimed to establish maritime connectivity between India’s northeastern region and Myanmar.

Conclusion:

India’s Look East Policy has been a significant success, both in terms of economic and strategic dimensions. It has helped India to deepen its economic integration with the Asia-Pacific region and enhance its strategic engagement with key players the United States and Japan. In the post-Cold War international scenario, India’s Look East Policy has enabled India to emerge as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

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