India's Look East & Act East policy- know all in detail

The look East policy & Act East Policy

The Look East Policy is a diplomatic initiative of the Indian government to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relationships with the neighboring countries, i.e. Thailand, Myanmar, etc. During the Cold war, India’s relations with the South-East Asian countries were not strong. However, after the Cold War, the government of India perceived the significance of foreign policy with the bordering countries. To strengthen the regional cooperation, the government headed by the then prime minister of India Mr. Narasimha Rao introduced the Look East Policy in 1990. The policy was established in 1992, soon after the disintegration of the USSR (Union Soviet Socialist Republic) and the cessation of the cold war. Firstly, the Act East policy enthralled reconstructing the economic and political contacts with the South East Asian Countries.  

Primarily, the Look East Policy emphasizes economic development with bordering countries. The policy is made possible by taking a catbird seat of ASEAN and the energy resources available in member countries of the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) like Myanmar. In 1996, India became a member of the ASEAN regional forum (ARF). India also becomes a regional partner with ASEAN countries in1992, a full dialogue partner in 1996, and a summit level partner in 2002.

Act East Policy

The Act East Policy was launched by the present Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, at the East Asian summit in Myanmar in November 2014. This summit is popularly known as the 25th Asian summit. The fundamental aim of this summit is to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop a strategic relationship with East Asian nations. The North Eastern States of India have also been included in the policy for the overall development. The Act East Policy is based on the 4 C’s,i.e. Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, and Capacity Building. The Act East Policy also focussed on security cooperation with the neighboring countries. In this policy, the Government of India is also focusing on infrastructure development in the neighboring countries. Presently, India is developing infrastructure in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.