With uncertainty looming, challenges and opportunities for India’s Act East policy

Source: The post “​With uncertainty looming, challenges and opportunities for India’s Act East policy” has been created based on “​With uncertainty looming, challenges and opportunities for India’s Act East policy” published in “Indian Express” on 13th July 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Context: India’s Act East Policy, launched in 2014, marked a strategic shift from the earlier Look East Policy (1991). The policy aims to promote economic cooperation, strengthen cultural ties, and develop strategic partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific through both bilateral and multilateral engagement.

Significance of the Act East Policy

1. Shift from Look East to Act East

1. The Act East Policy transformed India’s engagement with East Asia from a primarily economic approach to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
2. The policy expanded cooperation to include security, connectivity, culture, and maritime affairs.

2. Strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific role

1. The policy has enhanced India’s engagement with countries across the Indo-Pacific region.
2. It has positioned India as a responsible maritime power committed to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

3. Deepening strategic partnerships

1. The policy has strengthened India’s partnerships with ASEAN and other like-minded democracies.
2. It has contributed to greater cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms.

4. Enhancing maritime security

1. The policy addresses common maritime challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, trafficking in drugs, humans and arms, illegal migration, and natural disasters.
2. India’s initiatives such as SAGAR, IPOI, and MAHASAGAR support regional cooperation in maritime security.

5. Correcting historical neglect

1. The policy reflects India’s intention to overcome its historical neglect of the Asia-Pacific region.
2. It demonstrates India’s willingness to shoulder greater regional and global responsibilities.

Challenges to the Act East Policy

1. Political instability in the neighbourhood: Political instability in Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka affects India’s regional engagement and connectivity initiatives.
2. Policy inconsistencies of extra-regional powers: Inconsistencies in the policies of countries such as the United States create strategic uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific.
3. China’s increasing assertiveness: China’s growing strategic and maritime assertiveness continues to challenge regional stability. Despite changes in the US approach towards the Indo-Pacific, the strategic linkage between the Indian and Pacific Oceans remains important.
4. Infrastructure gaps in Northeast India: Inadequate infrastructure in Northeast India limits its potential to serve as India’s gateway to East Asia. Weak connectivity affects trade and regional integration.
5. Balancing strategic objectives: India must ensure that the Act East Policy does not appear excessively security-oriented. Maintaining regional stability requires balancing strategic interests with economic and developmental cooperation.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen connectivity: India should improve physical and economic connectivity through better infrastructure in Northeast India.
2. Deepen ASEAN engagement: India should further strengthen its economic, cultural, and strategic partnership with ASEAN through sustained dialogue and cooperation.
3. Promote maritime cooperation: India should expand initiatives such as SAGAR, IPOI, and MAHASAGAR to address both traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges.
4. Strengthen multilateral cooperation: India should continue working with like-minded countries while promoting an inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
5. Balance security and development: India should pursue strategic partnerships without undermining regional stability and should continue giving voice to the concerns of small island nations.

Conclusion: The Act East Policy has emerged as a key pillar of India’s foreign policy by combining economic engagement, strategic partnerships, maritime security, and cultural diplomacy. Addressing regional instability, infrastructure deficits, and geopolitical uncertainties while strengthening cooperation with ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific will be crucial for its long-term success.

Question: The Act East Policy has evolved from an economic engagement strategy into a comprehensive strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific. Discuss its significance, challenges, and the way forward.

Source: Indian Express