Answer:

India’s Act East Policy was launched in 2014 to strengthen its ties with the ASEAN countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The policy evolved from the Look East Policy of the 1990s, reflecting India’s proactive approach towards enhancing economic, strategic, and cultural engagements. It aims to counterbalance China’s influence and foster regional security through increased cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, and defence.

Strategic Importance of India’s ‘Act East’ Policy:

• Geopolitical Counterbalance to China: India’s Act East Policy counters China’s influence in Southeast Asia, particularly in the South China Sea, by strengthening ties with ASEAN nations and bolstering regional security alliances like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
• Strengthening Regional Security Alliances: India’s increased defence cooperation with ASEAN, including joint military exercises like SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise), demonstrates the strategic alignment aimed at maintaining regional peace.
• Boosting Connectivity Initiatives: Initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway enhance regional connectivity, which is vital for both economic development and strategic mobility across borders.
  For example: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aims to improve connectivity between India’s northeast and ASEAN markets, reducing transit time.
• Energy Security Collaboration: Through Act East, India seeks to diversify its energy sources by exploring partnerships in ASEAN nations, particularly Brunei for its oil and gas resources.
• Enhancing Soft Power Diplomacy: Cultural ties, educational exchanges, and people-to-people contact have been integral to strengthening India’s presence in the region. Institutions like Nalanda University symbolise India’s role in cultural diplomacy.
  For instance: India’s Buddhist diplomacy has resonated with ASEAN countries, fostering deeper cultural bonds, especially in Thailand and Vietnam.

Geopolitical Engagements:

• Countering Chinese Aggression: India’s collaboration with ASEAN helps limit China’s assertive postures in the Indo-Pacific. It also strengthens India’s involvement in regional frameworks like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
• Enhanced Naval Cooperation: Through initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), India collaborates with ASEAN members to ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation, and open sea lanes.
• Role in Myanmar’s Stability: India’s Act East Policy emphasises stability in Myanmar, a gateway to ASEAN, by engaging in both infrastructure and peace-building initiatives.
  For instance: India’s Kaladan project enhances Myanmar’s development and stabilises India’s northeast.
• Strengthening Defence Diplomacy: India has signed numerous defence agreements with ASEAN countries like Singapore and Indonesia, reinforcing defence ties through bilateral exercises.
  For instance: The India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) fosters defence technology transfers and joint military drills.
• Cultural Diplomacy and ASEAN Summit Leadership: India regularly participates in ASEAN Summits to promote shared cultural values and traditions, solidifying its position as a responsible regional actor.
  For instance: The India-ASEAN Cultural Exchange Programme encourages people-to-people connections, promoting harmony in the region.

Economic Engagements:

• Trade and Investment Growth: The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) has bolstered trade relations, making ASEAN India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
• Digital Cooperation: India has prioritised cooperation in digital technology with ASEAN, aiming to build a robust digital economy in the region.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects: India’s investments in cross-border infrastructure like the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation enhance logistical efficiency and improve market access.
  For instance: The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative boosts connectivity and economic integration between India and mainland Southeast Asia.
• FDI from ASEAN: Increased Foreign Direct Investment from ASEAN nations, particularly from Singapore, has contributed to India’s economic growth and manufacturing sector.
  For instance: Singapore was the second-largest source of FDI into India in 2023, with investments exceeding $11 billion.
• Energy Collaboration and Diversification: ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Indonesia provide India with alternative energy resources, reducing its dependence on other regions.
  For instance: India’s strategic partnership with Malaysia ensures the import of palm oil, fulfilling its energy and food security needs.

India’s Act East Policy is crucial for ensuring regional stability, economic integration, and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific. As India continues to strengthen its engagements with ASEAN, it must focus on sustaining strategic partnerships, improving regional connectivity, and promoting economic cooperation. The future lies in India’s ability to leverage this policy for fostering sustainable and peaceful development across the region.

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