India’s Act East Policy, marking its 10th anniversary this year, has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation’s foreign policy, significantly enhancing relations with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. This strategic policy shift has not only deepened diplomatic and economic ties but has also positioned India as a pivotal player in regional geopolitics.
The policy, launched in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to shift India’s focus from its immediate neighborhood to the broader Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic collaboration. Over the past decade, the Act East Policy has yielded substantial outcomes, especially in terms of trade and investment.
Bilateral Trade
Bilateral trade with ASEAN nations has nearly doubled, surging from USD 65 billion in 2015-16 to USD 120 billion in 2023-24. India’s exports to ASEAN have also seen a notable rise, from USD 31 billion in 2016-17 to USD 44 billion in 2022-23. Moreover, India has attracted around USD 160 billion in investments from ASEAN, underscoring the economic success of the policy.
Diplomatic Engagements
This year, as India celebrates a decade of the Act East Policy, there have been significant diplomatic engagements, underscoring the policy’s importance. Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Brunei, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, reinforces India’s commitment to this strategic policy.
Additionally, the visits of Vietnam’s Prime Minister and Malaysia’s Prime Minister to India, both within the first 100 days of the current government, have elevated bilateral ties. Relations with Vietnam are now characterized as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while ties with Malaysia were similarly elevated during the recent visit.
Furthermore, the upcoming visit to Singapore is expected to further solidify India’s Act East Policy, enhancing cooperation across various sectors. In the first 100 days of the government, the President of India also traveled to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste, signaling India’s continued commitment to strengthening ties in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
As India continues to build on the successes of the past decade, the Act East Policy remains a vital tool in fostering regional stability, economic growth, and strategic partnerships. The next decade promises even greater opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth, reinforcing India’s role as a key player in the Asia-Pacific.