August 16 – GS2/International Relations: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: Evaluate the effectiveness of India's Act East Policy in strengthening its strategic and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. Also delve into potential areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.  (250 words)

Introduction

In November 2014, India launched the Act East Policy as a diplomatic effort to enhance economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the broad Asia-Pacific region, particularly focusing on Southeast Asian countries.

Body

Effectiveness of the Act East Policy

1. Strengthening Strategic Ties:

• ASEAN-led Mechanisms: India has been actively involved in various ASEAN-led platforms such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus. These platforms have been crucial for facilitating dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues, thereby enhancing India’s strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.
• Strategic Partnerships: India has elevated its relations with several ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, to the level of Strategic Partnerships. These upgraded relationships have fostered deeper cooperation in various fields.

2. Strengthening Economic Ties:

• Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN has seen significant growth, reaching USD 131.58 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. India has also implemented the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) to promote trade and investment flows. However, the trade balance remains skewed in favor of ASEAN, highlighting areas that need improvement.
• Connectivity Initiatives: India has launched several connectivity projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. These initiatives aim to enhance physical and economic connectivity with Southeast Asia, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, and thereby boosting economic integration.

Potential Areas of Cooperation between India and ASEAN

• Maritime Cooperation: Strengthening maritime security through joint patrols, information sharing, and capacity building to tackle issues like piracy, illegal fishing, and territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea.
• Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies: Collaborating on building robust digital infrastructure, promoting e-commerce, and fostering innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Renewable Energy and Green Transition: Working together on the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
• Space Exploration and Satellite Technology: Partnering on space exploration projects, satellite development, remote sensing, and space-based applications for 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, focusing on areas like fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure: Collaborating to accelerate 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 significantly strengthened its strategic and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. By leveraging complementary strengths and addressing shared challenges, India has the potential to build a robust and future-oriented partnership with ASEAN, contributing to regional stability, sustainable development, and collective prosperity.