India’s Act East Policy has transformed its engagement with Southeast Asia. Discuss its strategic importance and challenges.
"India’s Act East Policy has transformed its engagement with Southeast Asia. Discuss its strategic importance and challenges." "भारत की एक्ट ईस्ट नीति ने दक्षिण-पूर्व एशिया के साथ उसके संबंधों को कैसे रूपांतरित किया है? इसके रणनीतिक महत्व और चुनौतियों पर चर्चा कीजिए।" ✅ Answer (English) Introduction India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014 as an upgrade of the Look East Policy, aims at deepening ties with ASEAN nations and beyond, including East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Strategic Importance Regional Connectivity : Projects like India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway and Kaladan Project. Security Cooperation : Shared concerns over maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Countering China : Strengthening presence in the region to balance China’s influence. Economic Integration : Trade ties, FTA with ASEAN, and investment flows. Cultural Diplomacy : Buddhism and Indian diaspora as soft power tools. Challenges Slow project implementation (e.g., ...