India and Southeast Asia have a rich history of interaction, marked by deep cultural connections and the exchange of knowledge. Their shared values and intertwined cultures have been shaped by centuries of meaningful contact and mutual influence, highlighting a long-standing bond between these regions.

India’s Act East Policy is key to its strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Over time, this policy has expanded into a broad and dynamic approach, involving ASEAN countries and various regional frameworks like the ARF, EAS, and ADMM+. It also reaches out to nations further east, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Pacific islands.

The partnership between India and ASEAN has grown stronger, covering areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, energy, cultural exchanges, people-to-people connections, and maritime security. A notable development occurred in 2014 when Prime Minister Modi and President Obama together outlined a vision for the Indo-Pacific. This vision highlighted how the Indian and Pacific Oceans are interconnected, underscoring their joint importance for security and economic stability.

Launched in November 2014, the ‘Act East Policy’ builds on the earlier “Look East Policy” and aims to strengthen economic, strategic, and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific region. This policy focuses on deepening connections with Southeast Asian countries through better connectivity, increased trade, cultural exchanges, defence partnerships, and stronger people-to-people ties. It works on multiple fronts—bilateral, regional, and multilateral—to foster these relationships.

Security is a fundamental element of India’s Act East Policy. As China asserts itself more strongly in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, safeguarding freedom of navigation and reinforcing India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean have become crucial priorities.

In response to these challenges, India actively participates in the Indo-Pacific strategy and is a key member of the informal Quad grouping. Through these engagements, India collaborates with other nations to address common concerns and foster stability in the region.