Bangkok, April 4 (IANS) India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, which align with its broader Indo-Pacific vision, has been reaffirmed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Bangkok for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit that also brought together other leaders of the grouping, including from Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Modi’s various initiatives, including the ‘Act East’ policy, Vision SAGAR (Security and growth for All in the Region), ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘Think West’ policy and ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy continue to guide New Delhi’s approach to the neighbourhood and beyond while strengthening historical and civilizational ties at the same time.
Launched in 1992, the ‘Look East’ policy focused largely on economic ties with the Southeast Asia region. However, with the changing dynamics of the world, PM Modi in 2014, introduced a new vigour in India’s foreign policy and transformed it into a more dynamic ‘Act East’ policy emphasising stronger action and outcomes.
Analysts reckon that PM Modi’s foreign policy is marked by dynamism and action, which is symbolised perfectly through the implementation of the ‘Act East’ policy.
Over the past 10 years, the ‘Act East’ policy has positioned India as an active and influential player in Southeast Asia.
While the ‘Look East’ policy primarily focused on trade, PM Modi’s initiatives have expanded it into a multidimensional strategy that includes diplomacy, defence, connectivity, and culture. Prime Minister Modi’s frequent engagements, high-profile summits, and strategic partnerships have also strengthened India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, making India not just a participant but a leader in regional affairs.
This shift was not just symbolic but marked a significant strategic approach that emphasised deeper diplomatic engagement, stronger trade partnerships, enhanced security cooperation, and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The Act East Policy placed India as an active stakeholder in regional affairs.
PM Modi himself has undertaken multiple visits to countries in India’s extended neighbourhood to strengthen the ties further.
It includes multiple trips to Singapore (2015, 2018, 2024) which have strengthened economic and fintech collaboration and three visits to Indonesia (2018, 2022, 2023) where India expanded its maritime security cooperation.
In 2017, PM Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit the Philippines in 36 years, reinforcing India’s role in ASEAN security and trade.
His historic visit to Brunei in 2024 marked the first-ever trip by an Indian PM to the country, symbolising India’s growing diplomatic outreach.
In yet another historic moment, PM Modi invited all ASEAN leaders to India’s Republic Day as chief guests to mark 25 years of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership.
Additionally, he has also undertaken visits to Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, pushing forward India’s strategic and economic agenda in the region.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s trade with ASEAN has nearly doubled, growing from USD 71 billion in 2016-17 to over USD 130 billion by 2024. India is now ASEAN’s seventh largest trading partner while ASEAN is India’s fourth largest trading partner.
To enhance economic connectivity, the Modi government has pushed for infrastructure projects such India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway to boost India-ASEAN trade and movement. Direct flight connectivity has also improved significantly, with India now directly connected to several ASEAN countries, facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Apart from ASEAN, PM Modi’s push for infra project like Agartala-Akhaura railway project which is the first railway project between the North Eastern States and Bangladesh has provided additional connectivity between India and Bangladesh & encouraged trade between the two nations.
The strategic and defence dimension of the ‘Act East’ policy has been another crucial area of focus. India has actively engaged in maritime security cooperation, particularly with countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam. One of the biggest milestones under the ‘Act East’ policy has been the sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, marking India’s entry as a serious defence supplier in the region. Additionally, India has signed military logistics agreements with Vietnam, expanding its presence in the Indo-Pacific security framework.
The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), launched in 2019, was a major step toward ensuring maritime stability and freedom of navigation in the region. Further reinforcing India’s strategic presence, India and ASEAN held their first-ever joint maritime exercise in 2023, a move aimed at countering security challenges in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific.
Beyond trade and security, cultural and people-to-people ties have played an essential role in strengthening India’s relationship with Southeast Asia. PM Modi’s ‘Act East’ policy has revitalised India’s shared Buddhist heritage with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia, fostering deeper spiritual and historical connections.
Over 300 ASEAN students have received scholarships to Nalanda University and the Modi government has facilitated educational and cultural exchanges to strengthen ties.
The growing influence of ‘International Yoga Day’ in Southeast Asia further highlights how cultural diplomacy has become an integral part of India’s engagement under the ‘Act East’ policy.
Additionally, Singapore became the first country to establish fintech connectivity with India, paving the way for digital and economic collaboration across the ASEAN region.
India extended medical assistance, including medicines and supplies, to ASEAN countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Emerging as the ‘first responder’, India provided $4 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka between 2022-23, playing a key role in securing the island nation’s $2.9 billion IMF bailout. New Delhi also swiftly launched ‘Operation Maitri’, deploying military and rescue teams for relief efforts during the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. In 2018, India sent 1.7 lakh tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of Chana Dal to help combat severe drought in Afghanistan.
–IANS
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