Act East Policy
Upgradation of 'Look East Policy' (1991) to 'Act East Policy' (2014) focusing on 4Cs: Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, and Capacity Building to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Shift
Moved from passive diplomatic engagement to proactive economic and security cooperation. Focuses on ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Pacific Island nations.
North East as Gateway
Development of North East India is central to Act East. Projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aim to physically link NE India to SE Asia.
Security & Defense
Maritime security cooperation, freedom of navigation, and combating piracy. Close defense ties with Vietnam, Philippines (BrahMos export), and Indonesia.
Economic Integration
review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). Focus on supply chain resilience and integration into regional value chains.
Cultural & Soft Power
Leveraging Buddhist heritage (Bodh Gaya circuit), diaspora connects, and education scholarships (Nalanda University) to deepen people-to-people ties.