Elucidate India’s Act East Policy’s geopolitical impact on India-ASEAN relations, citing specific economic and security cooperation examples.

The Act East Policy emerged as a response to several geopolitical imperatives. Firstly, it sought to counter the growing influence of China in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific by strengthening India’s own regional presence and partnerships. Secondly, it recognized the immense economic potential of the ASEAN region, which offered new markets, investment opportunities, and a source of crucial resources. Thirdly, it aligned with India’s aspirations to play a more proactive role in regional security and stability, particularly in addressing shared challenges like maritime security and terrorism. The evolution from “Look East” to “Act East” signifies a shift from a passive engagement to a more assertive and action-oriented approach, reflecting India’s growing confidence and its strategic calculus in a rapidly changing Asian landscape.

Economically, the Act East Policy has significantly deepened India-ASEAN ties.

• Trade and Investment: The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) is a cornerstone of this economic engagement. While its full potential is still being realized, it has facilitated increased bilateral trade. For instance, trade between India and ASEAN has grown substantially, with ASEAN becoming one of India’s largest trading partners. India’s exports to ASEAN include refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and machinery, while imports comprise electronics, palm oil, and machinery.

• Connectivity Initiatives: The policy places a strong emphasis on enhancing physical and digital connectivity. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is a flagship project aimed at improving land connectivity, facilitating trade and tourism. Similarly, initiatives like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connect India’s northeastern states with Myanmar’s Sittwe port, thereby enhancing access to Southeast Asian markets.

• Digital and Other Sectors: Beyond trade and infrastructure, cooperation extends to digital economy, renewable energy, and tourism. India’s increasing engagement with countries like Singapore and Vietnam in the technology and services sectors is a testament to this broader economic outreach.

On the security front, the Act East Policy has bolstered India-ASEAN relations by fostering a shared approach to regional security.

• Maritime Security: With the increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific, maritime security has become a critical area of cooperation. India participates in multilateral forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), which address security challenges. India’s regular naval exercises with countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, such as the SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) and MILAN (a multinational naval exercise hosted by India), contribute to interoperability and the sharing of best practices in maritime domain awareness and combating piracy.

• Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime: India and ASEAN nations share common concerns regarding terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. Cooperation in intelligence sharing, capacity building for law enforcement agencies, and joint efforts to combat cyber-crime and illicit trafficking are key components of this security partnership.

• Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance: The Act East Policy also fosters cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Joint exercises and mutual support during natural calamities demonstrate a commitment to shared security and regional resilience.

• ASEAN-led Mechanisms: India’s active participation in ASEAN-led security mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), allows for dialogue on regional security architecture and cooperative security initiatives.

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The geopolitical impact on India-ASEAN relations is multifaceted. It has elevated India’s strategic relevance in Southeast Asia, providing an alternative partner for regional states concerned about China’s growing assertiveness. This has led to a strengthening of bilateral ties within the ASEAN framework, as countries increasingly view India as a reliable partner for balancing regional power dynamics. The Act East Policy has also contributed to the strengthening of ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific, with India actively supporting ASEAN-led initiatives and frameworks. It has fostered a sense of shared destiny and mutual strategic interest, moving beyond mere economic ties to encompass a broader vision for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. This policy has helped solidify ASEAN’s position as a crucial node in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, fostering a more multipolar and resilient regional order.