HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 133 : Model Answer

QUESTION: Critically examine Act East policy of India. (4marks, 60 words)

Answer. 

The ‘Act East Policy’ was announced at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit in 2014. The Act East Policy is the successor of Look East Policy which was promulgated in 1992.

There are various initiatives taken by India in accordance with the Act East Policy. E.g. Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, The Trilateral Highway Project connecting the North East with Myanmar and Thailand. Among other initiatives assistance has been extended in the form of medicines/medical supplies to ASEAN countries during the pandemic. These initiatives will help in building cultural ties, people to people contact and will also boost Trade.

There are some developments over the years which are testing Indian diplomacy in the region. First, the rising profile of China combined with growing China-India tensions; second, disappointment in the region with India’s economic under-performance. India’s economic slowdown and inward orientation, expressed through the decision to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, also disappointed the regional business.

Indian diplomacy must take a fresh look at its Act East policy and the constraints being imposed on it by unsatisfactory economic performance.