Assess the efficacy of India’s “Act East Policy” in

The “Act East Policy” (AEP) of India, launched in 2014, represents a significant shift in India’s foreign policy, extending beyond its earlier “Look East Policy.” This policy aims to strengthen ties with East and Southeast Asian countries, but also has a crucial domestic dimension focused on the development and integration of India’s northeastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. This assessment explores the AEP’s effectiveness in promoting strategic convergence and economic integration in India’s northeastern neighbourhood, considering both its successes and shortcomings while highlighting the geostrategic significance of Arunachal Pradesh.

Several key concepts are central to understanding the AEP’s efficacy:

• Strategic Convergence: This refers to the alignment of strategic interests and foreign policy objectives among India and its northeastern neighbours (e.g., Myanmar, Bangladesh). It encompasses cooperation in areas like security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
• Economic Integration: This focuses on increasing trade, investment, and connectivity within the region. This includes developing infrastructure, facilitating cross-border trade, and promoting economic partnerships.
• Geostrategic Importance of Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh’s location, bordering China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, makes it a vital strategic buffer. Its development and integration are crucial for India’s security and its ability to project power eastward.
• Connectivity: This involves physical connectivity (roads, railways, waterways, air routes), digital connectivity, and people-to-people connectivity. Improved connectivity is crucial for economic integration and strategic convergence.
• Look East Policy vs. Act East Policy: The “Act East Policy” is a more action-oriented and comprehensive approach compared to the previous “Look East Policy.” It emphasizes implementation, projects, and a proactive approach towards engagement with the East and the Northeast.

Achievements of the Act East Policy:

• Increased Connectivity: Significant progress has been made in developing infrastructure, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (linking Kolkata to Sittwe port in Myanmar and then to Mizoram), the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, and the construction of roads and bridges in Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. These projects facilitate trade and travel.
• Enhanced Trade and Investment: Border trade has increased with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Efforts are underway to develop special economic zones (SEZs) and improve trade infrastructure. Foreign investment in the Northeast is growing, although the quantum is still relatively small.
• Strengthened Security Cooperation: India has increased cooperation with Myanmar in combating insurgent groups operating along the border. Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing have improved. This has contributed to greater strategic stability in the region.
• People-to-People Contact: Visa liberalization, cultural exchange programs, and initiatives to promote tourism have fostered greater understanding and goodwill between India and its northeastern neighbours. Initiatives like the Maitri Setu bridge (linking Tripura and Bangladesh) have facilitated people movement.
• Arunachal Pradesh Focus: The AEP has led to increased investment in Arunachal Pradesh’s infrastructure, including road construction, airport development (e.g., Hollongi Airport near Itanagar), and initiatives to promote tourism and border trade. This is crucial for integrating the state into the national mainstream and improving its economic prospects.

Limitations of the Act East Policy:

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Despite progress, infrastructure development remains a major challenge. Connectivity projects often face delays, cost overruns, and logistical hurdles due to difficult terrain and funding constraints, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Trade Barriers: Non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs procedures and inadequate trade facilitation infrastructure, impede trade flows. The implementation of the policy is often slow.
• Security Challenges: Insurgency and cross-border crime remain significant security concerns in the Northeast, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border. Political instability in Myanmar can impact security cooperation.
• Economic Disparities: The economic benefits of the AEP have not been evenly distributed. The northeastern states still lag behind other parts of India in terms of development indicators. Limited access to capital and markets hampers entrepreneurial growth.
• Arunachal Pradesh Challenges: The geostrategic sensitivity of Arunachal Pradesh requires careful balancing of security needs with development initiatives. Border disputes with China and environmental concerns associated with infrastructure projects pose challenges. The pace of development is often constrained by these complexities.
• Lack of Focused Investment: Despite the efforts, the overall level of investment is not commensurate with the needs and potential of the region. A more targeted and comprehensive approach towards various sectors is required.
• Geopolitical Constraints: Relations with China and other regional players affect the AEP’s success. China’s growing influence in the region, including its investments in infrastructure projects in Myanmar and Bangladesh, presents both opportunities and challenges for India.

The Act East Policy represents a significant step forward in India’s engagement with its northeastern neighbourhood. It has achieved notable successes in increasing connectivity, fostering trade, and strengthening security cooperation. However, the policy faces significant limitations, including infrastructure deficits, trade barriers, security challenges, and uneven economic development. The geostrategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh makes its successful integration crucial for the AEP’s overall success. To enhance its efficacy, the AEP needs to address these challenges by accelerating infrastructure development, simplifying trade procedures, investing in human capital, and fostering a more inclusive development model. A more proactive and coordinated approach, combined with a focus on sustainable and environmentally sound development, will be essential for achieving genuine strategic convergence and economic integration in India’s northeastern neighbourhood, thereby maximizing the benefits of the Act East Policy.

• The Act East Policy aims for strategic convergence and economic integration in the Northeast.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s geostrategic importance is central to the policy’s success.
• Connectivity, trade, and security cooperation are key dimensions of the policy.
• Infrastructure development, security challenges, and economic disparities pose limitations.
• A more holistic and sustainable approach is needed for long-term success.