India's Look East Policy, launched in 1991 and upgraded to Act East Policy in 2014, represents a strategic pivot towards Southeast and East Asia in response to post-Cold War multipolarity and economic liberalization.

Geopolitical Map of India and ASEAN

Economic Dimensions of Look East Policy

Trade and Investment Growth:

• India-ASEAN trade reached $131.5 billion in 2023-24, with ASEAN becoming India's fourth-largest trading partner
• Singapore emerged as largest FDI source with investments worth $17.2 billion in 2023-24
• India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement facilitated $18.8 billion bilateral trade in 2024

Regional Economic Integration:

• RCEP negotiations (though India withdrew) demonstrated commitment to regional economic frameworks
• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework participation since 2022 for supply chain resilience
• BIMSTEC Free Trade Area negotiations advancing economic cooperation with Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka

Infrastructure Connectivity:

• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway enhancing trade corridors
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connecting northeast India via Myanmar
• Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor boosting Far East trade

Strategic Dimensions of Look East Policy

Security Partnerships:

• QUAD framework with US, Japan, Australia for Indo-Pacific security architecture
• Malabar Naval Exercises 2024 demonstrating maritime cooperation capabilities
• 2+2 Dialogues with Japan strengthening defense technology cooperation

Geopolitical Balancing:

• String of Pearls counter-strategy through partnerships with Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia
• Andaman and Nicobar Command serving as strategic gateway to Southeast Asia
• Act East Policy's military dimension includes joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas (US), Dharma Guardian (Japan)

Multilateral Engagement:

• East Asia Summit participation since 2011 for regional security dialogue
• ASEAN Regional Forum membership advancing conflict prevention mechanisms
• ADMM-Plus framework for maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance

The policy successfully transformed India from a peripheral to central player in Asian economic and security architecture, leveraging post-Cold War opportunities while addressing China's rise through strategic partnerships and economic integration.