Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce by mentioning the goal of India's Act East Policy
• Highlight the effectiveness of Act East Policy in economic as well as strategic terms
• Delve into potential areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

India's Act East Policy, initiated in November 2014 as a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at different levels especially with Southeast Asian nations.

Body

Effectiveness of Act East Policy:

• In Strengthening Strategic Ties:
  • India has actively participated in various ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus.
    • These platforms have facilitated dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues, thereby strengthening India's strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.
  • Strategic Partnerships: India has upgraded its relations with several ASEAN countries to the level of Strategic Partnerships, including Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
    • These partnerships have facilitated deeper cooperation.
• In Strengthening Economic Ties:
  • Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN has witnessed significant growth, reaching USD 131.58 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23,.
    • India has implemented the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) to facilitate trade and investment flows.
    • However, the trade balance remains skewed in favor of ASEAN, indicating potential areas for improvement.
  • Connectivity Initiatives: India has undertaken various connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, to enhance physical and economic connectivity with Southeast Asia.
    • These initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby boosting economic integration.

Potential Areas of Cooperation between India and ASEAN:

• Maritime Cooperation: Enhancing maritime security cooperation, including joint patrols, information sharing, and capacity building, to address challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
• Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies: Collaborating on developing a robust digital infrastructure, promoting e-commerce, and fostering innovation in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Renewable Energy and Green Transition: Collaborating on the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, to meet climate change goals and promote sustainable development.
• Space Exploration and Satellite Technology: Collaborating on space exploration initiatives, including satellite development, remote sensing, and space-based applications for areas like disaster management, navigation, and environmental monitoring
• Blue Economy and Marine Resource Management: Enhancing cooperation in the sustainable use of marine resources, maritime security, and the development of the blue economy, including areas like fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure: Collaborating on accelerating the infrastructure development projects under India's Act East Policy and ASEAN's Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.

Conclusion

India's Act East Policy has bolstered its strategic and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. By leveraging complementary strengths and addressing shared challenges, India can forge a robust, future-oriented partnership that contributes to regional stability, sustainable development, and collective prosperity.