From Look East to Act East: Evolution, Outcomes, and Challenges of India's Eastern Engagement

Abstract The Look East Policy (LEP) can be succinctly characterised as an initiative aimed at fostering enhanced economic relations between the Indian subcontinent and the robust economies of East and Southeast Asia during the post-Cold War and post-economic liberalisation eras in India. “The LEP has evolved progressively over two decades through the execution of trade agreements, engagement in trade dialogues, and the establishment of numerous bilateral and multilateral partnerships between the Eastern and Southeast Asian regions.” Nevertheless, in 2014, the Government of India instituted the Act East Policy (AEP), which superseded the LEP and signified a transition from a passive approach to a more proactive and outcome-oriented Look East Policy of India with respect to the economies of East and Southeast Asia. “The transformation from the LEP to the AEP encompasses three interconnected dimensions: economic, connectivity, and security.” Prioritization of infrastructure development, particularly in the North Eastern Region of India, and the development of defence and maritime cooperation are the areas through which the “Act East Policy” is to be converted into reality. This change from “looking” to “acting” is an indication of the growing confidence and responsibility of India in the region.