Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ‘Look East Policy’ (LEP), initiated in 1991 under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, marked a pivotal shift in India’s foreign policy, moving away from a largely inward-looking approach towards greater engagement with Southeast and East Asia. Driven by economic liberalization and recognizing the economic dynamism of the ASEAN region, the LEP aimed to foster economic, strategic, and cultural ties. However, despite initial successes, the LEP faced several limitations. The rise of China as a high-tech power in the Asia-Pacific region presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reassess and potentially steer the LEP towards a more effective and relevant framework – now known as the ‘Act East Policy’ (AEP).
Major Flaws in India’s Look East Policy
Despite its positive intent, the LEP suffered from several critical flaws:
- Limited Economic Integration: While trade with ASEAN increased, it remained significantly lower than China’s trade with the region. India’s focus on tariff reductions was slow, and non-tariff barriers persisted, hindering deeper economic integration.
- Connectivity Deficit: A major impediment was the lack of adequate physical connectivity. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMPT), intended to connect India to Myanmar, faced significant delays and cost overruns. Road and rail infrastructure development in the Northeast, crucial for facilitating trade, lagged behind.
- Strategic Hesitation: India was initially hesitant to engage in robust security cooperation with ASEAN countries, particularly concerning the South China Sea dispute. This reluctance stemmed from a desire to avoid antagonizing China.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles & Lack of Coordination: Implementation was often hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of coordination between different government ministries.
- Focus on Bilateralism: The LEP largely focused on bilateral relationships, neglecting the potential of regional frameworks and multilateral initiatives.
China’s Emergence as a High-Tech Power & its Impact
China’s rapid economic and technological advancement has fundamentally altered the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. This presents several challenges to India’s LEP/AEP:
- Economic Dominance: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly increased its economic influence in Southeast Asia, offering substantial infrastructure financing and trade opportunities. This overshadows India’s comparatively limited economic engagement.
- Technological Superiority: China’s leadership in areas like 5G, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure gives it a strategic advantage. This impacts India’s ability to compete in the high-tech sector and participate effectively in regional digital economies.
- Military Modernization: China’s military modernization, including its naval expansion in the South China Sea, poses a security challenge to the region and potentially undermines India’s strategic interests.
- Digital Silk Road: China’s Digital Silk Road initiative aims to establish digital infrastructure and promote its technology standards across Asia, potentially creating dependencies and limiting India’s influence.
Steering the Policy Successfully
Despite these challenges, it is possible to steer the AEP successfully by adopting a multi-pronged approach:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Prioritizing infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and accelerating the KMMPT is crucial. Focus should be on building robust and reliable connectivity networks.
- Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening strategic partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, and Vietnam, through initiatives like the Quad, can counterbalance China’s influence.
- Technology Collaboration: Investing in research and development, promoting technology transfer, and fostering collaboration with ASEAN countries in areas like digital technologies and renewable energy is essential.
- Economic Diversification: Diversifying trade and investment portfolios, focusing on value-added exports, and promoting Indian participation in regional supply chains can reduce dependence on China.
- Institutional Reforms: Streamlining bureaucratic processes, improving coordination between ministries, and establishing a dedicated AEP implementation agency can enhance efficiency.
- Focus on Maritime Security: Increasing maritime domain awareness and strengthening naval capabilities to ensure freedom of navigation and protect India’s maritime interests.
Furthermore, India needs to actively participate in shaping regional norms and standards, particularly in the digital domain, to prevent the imposition of China’s technological standards.
Conclusion
The Look East/Act East Policy remains a vital component of India’s foreign policy. While the initial LEP faced limitations, the emergence of China as a high-tech power necessitates a recalibration of the AEP. By focusing on enhanced connectivity, strategic partnerships, technology collaboration, and institutional reforms, India can effectively navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and secure its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. A proactive and adaptable approach, coupled with a long-term vision, is crucial for ensuring the success of the AEP in the face of China’s growing influence.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.