India’s “Look East” policy, initiated in the 1990s, aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific region. The policy has evolved over time, and in 2014, the Indian government launched the “Act East” policy, which aims to convert India’s economic and strategic ties with the region into tangible benefits. The “Act East” policy has presented both challenges and opportunities for India in the Asia-Pacific region.

Challenges:

1. Geopolitical tensions: India’s growing ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional organizations have created concerns among some countries, including China, which sees India’s rise as a threat to its regional influence.
2. Competition for resources: India’s increased engagement with the region may lead to competition for resources, particularly energy and natural resources, which could create tensions with other countries.
3. Infrastructure challenges: India’s infrastructure in the region is limited, which can make it difficult to maintain a strong presence and respond to emergencies.
4. Cultural and linguistic differences: India’s cultural and linguistic differences with the region may create challenges in communication and understanding, particularly in areas such as trade and investment.
5. Regional rivalries: India’s involvement in regional organizations such as ASEAN may lead to involvement in regional rivalries, particularly between China and the United States.

Opportunities:

1. Economic growth: India’s “Act East” policy has the potential to boost economic growth by increasing trade and investment with the region.
2. Strategic partnerships: India’s partnerships with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia can provide a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
3. Security cooperation: India’s security cooperation with countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines can help address regional security concerns, including terrorism and piracy.
4. Cultural exchange: India’s “Act East” policy can facilitate cultural exchange between India and the region, which can help promote people-to-people ties and understanding.
5. Regional leadership: India’s growing involvement in regional organizations such as ASEAN can help establish it as a leader in the region and increase its influence on regional issues.

Strategies for success:

1. Enhance infrastructure: India needs to invest in upgrading its infrastructure in the region to improve connectivity and trade facilitation.
2. Develop people-to-people ties: India needs to focus on developing people-to-people ties through cultural exchange programs, educational institutions, and tourism.
3. Strengthen strategic partnerships: India needs to strengthen its strategic partnerships with countries in the region through joint military exercises, defense cooperation, and security dialogues.
4. Promote trade and investment: India needs to promote trade and investment with the region through initiatives such as free trade agreements and investment promotion programs.
5. Engage in regional organizations: India needs to engage actively in regional organizations such as ASEAN to promote its interests and increase its influence in the region.