Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Briefly introduce India’s Look East Policy (LEP) and its launch year (1991).
- State the context of the post-Cold War international scenario and its significance for India.
- Present the objective: to evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of the LEP.
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Body
- Economic Dimension:
- Integration with ASEAN:
- Discuss India’s inclusion as a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995.
- Mention the impact on economic cooperation.
- Trade Growth:
- Provide statistics on India-ASEAN trade growth from $2.9 billion in 1993 to $82.5 billion in 2020.
- Fact: Source: Ministry of Commerce, India.
- Investment Inflows:
- Discuss Indian investments in ASEAN, reaching $41.9 billion in 2019.
- Highlight key sectors like manufacturing and telecommunications.
- Fact: Source: ASEAN Investment Report 2020.
- Economic Reforms:
- Mention reforms in the 1990s that attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) and boosted economic growth.
- Integration with ASEAN:
- Strategic Dimension
- Counterbalancing China:
- Explain how the LEP aims to counter China’s influence in Southeast Asia.
- Maritime Cooperation:
- Discuss collaboration with ASEAN nations on maritime security.
- Regional Groupings:
- Mention India’s membership in the East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2005.
- Highlight contributions to regional security discussions.
- Strengthening Security Partnerships:
- Discuss joint military exercises and defense cooperation with ASEAN countries.
- Connectivity Initiatives:
- Highlight key projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
- Counterbalancing China:
- Economic Dimension:
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Conclusion
- Summarize the key economic and strategic successes of the Look East Policy.
- Emphasize the LEP’s role in establishing India as a significant player in the Asia-Pacific region and contributing to regional stability.
Economic and Strategic Dimensions of India’s Look East Policy
Introduction
India’s Look East Policy (LEP), initiated in the early 1990s, seeks to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This policy reflects both economic and strategic dimensions crucial in the post-Cold War international scenario.
Economic Dimensions
Strategic Dimensions
Conclusion
India’s Look East Policy has been pivotal in advancing its economic interests and enhancing strategic influence in the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering stronger economic ties and strategic partnerships, India continues to play a significant role in shaping the regional dynamics in the post-Cold War era.
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s Look East Policy (LEP), initiated in 1991, aimed to bolster economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. In the post-Cold War international scenario, this policy has been pivotal for India to leverage its geographical advantages and tap into the dynamic economies of these regions.
Economic Dimension
1. Integration with ASEAN
The LEP led to India becoming a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995, significantly enhancing economic cooperation.
2. Trade Growth
India-ASEAN trade skyrocketed from $2.9 billion in 1993 to $82.5 billion in 2020, showcasing the growing economic interdependence (Source: Ministry of Commerce, India).
3. Investment Inflows
Indian investment in ASEAN reached $41.9 billion in 2019, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy (Source: ASEAN Investment Report 2020).
4. Economic Reforms
The liberalization policies introduced in the 1990s attracted foreign direct investment (FDI), enhancing India’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Strategic Dimension
1. Counterbalancing China
The LEP serves to counterbalance China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia, promoting a multipolar regional order.
2. Maritime Cooperation
India has engaged in maritime security initiatives with ASEAN nations, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Regional Groupings
Joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2005 allowed India to participate in crucial regional security discussions, enhancing its strategic footprint.
4. Strengthening Security Partnerships
India has reinforced security cooperation with ASEAN countries through joint military exercises and defense agreements, solidifying its status as a regional power.
5. Connectivity Initiatives
Key projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aim to enhance connectivity and trade between India and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
India’s Look East Policy has succeeded in both economic and strategic dimensions, deepening integration with the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing strategic engagement with global powers like the United States and Japan. In the post-Cold War context, the LEP has established India as a significant player, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.