In relation to ASEAN, what is the importance of India's Act East policy?

Key Points

• The Act East Policy was launched by India in 2014 to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and develop strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly ASEAN countries.
• This policy is a continuation of the Look East Policy which was initiated in the early 1990s to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian countries.
• Under the Act East Policy, India has enhanced its engagement in areas such as trade, investment, security, and defense cooperation with ASEAN nations.
• The policy aims to improve connectivity, infrastructure, and people-to-people contacts to foster mutual growth and development.
• India’s engagement with ASEAN is crucial for regional peace, stability, and economic progress.

Additional Information

• ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was established on August 8, 1967, and includes ten member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• ASEAN aims to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its members.
• India has been a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN since 1992, a full dialogue partner since 1996, and a strategic partner since 2012.
• India and ASEAN have been working together on various initiatives including the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was signed in 2009 and came into effect in 2010.
• The India-ASEAN Summit is held annually to discuss and strengthen cooperation in various sectors.