Act East Policy is a major part of India’s foreign policy.Image Credit source: AI Picture/ChatGPT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left on a tour of three countries: Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. He will return home after visiting these countries till July 11. In the first phase of the visit, the PM will visit Indonesia, then Australia and later New Zealand. The Government of India says that this visit of PM will prove helpful in giving impetus to the Act East Policy.
Let us understand with the help of PM Modi’s statement, what is India’s Act East Policy? Why does PM mention this policy again and again?
What is Act East Policy?
Act East Policy is a major part of India’s foreign policy. Its objective is to further strengthen relations with the countries of South-East Asia and East Asia. Under this policy, India is increasing economic, strategic and cultural cooperation with ASEAN countries. ASEAN includes Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Apart from this, India is also increasing cooperation with countries like Japan, South Korea and Australia.
The journey from Look East to Act East
India started Look East Policy in the year 1991. At that time the country was going through economic reforms. The objective was to increase trade and investment with the rapidly growing countries of Asia. In the year 2014, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave it a new look. It was named Act East Policy. This change did not mean looking only towards eastern countries. Now India wanted to work actively with those countries, that is, it was not just a matter of dialogue but of taking concrete steps.
Why does Prime Minister Modi mention this?
Prime Minister Modi believes that India’s future is linked to the rapid economic growth of Asia. If India builds strong relations with eastern countries, trade will increase, investment will come and new technology will be benefited. Along with this, India also wants to strengthen its role in the Indo-Pacific region. This area is today considered extremely important for global trade and maritime security. That is why the Prime Minister repeatedly mentions the Act East Policy in his foreign tours and international meetings.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand reflects India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Guided by the Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR Vision, the visit will deepen cooperation for a pic.twitter.com/Ax8xxeSZpg
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) July 6, 2026
Why is this policy important for India?
India’s eastern border is connected to many important countries. North-East India is also close to this region. If better road, rail and water connectivity is established with these countries, then the development of the North-Eastern states can accelerate. Due to this, industries will be set up there, tourism will increase and new employment opportunities will be created.
Business will get new expansion
The biggest benefit of Act East Policy is being seen in the field of trade. India wants to take its products to the big markets of South-East Asia. It also wants to attract investment from these countries. Better trade relations provide new possibilities to industries. This can give impetus to economic development.
Northeast India will become the center of development
The role of North-East India is very important in this policy. The government is working on increasing connectivity by road, rail, air and waterways. Projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway are considered important in this direction. These projects will increase the connectivity of North-Eastern states with international markets. Local businessmen, farmers and youth can directly benefit from this.
Important also from security point of view
India faces many challenges like maritime security and border security. The activity of many countries is increasing in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. In such a situation, India is increasing defense cooperation with its friendly countries. Joint military exercises, maritime surveillance and defense agreements are part of this strategy. This helps in maintaining regional stability.
China. Photo: Pexels
Importance amid China’s growing influence
China’s influence in Asia has increased rapidly in the last few years. At such a time, India wants to build strong partnerships with its friendly countries. Act East Policy is not considered against any one country. Its objective is to strengthen the regional system based on balanced and cooperation. India wants to maintain better relations with all countries under an independent foreign policy.
Strong relations with ASEAN countries
There have been long standing cultural and historical relations between India and ASEAN countries. Buddhism, maritime trade and cultural exchange have strengthened these relationships. Today India is also increasing cooperation in areas like education, health, digital technology, energy and science. Both sides regularly hold summit meetings and business events.
Road, rail, port and air services are being expanded. Photo: Pexels
Special emphasis on connectivity
The success of the Act East Policy largely depends on better connectivity. Road, rail, port and air services are being expanded. Emphasis is also being laid on digital connectivity. With better connectivity, movement of people will become easier. Cost of business will reduce and tourism will get a boost.
Youth and students also benefit
Cooperation in the field of education is also increasing between India and East Asian countries. Exchange programs are being run for students. Work is being done on joint projects in the field of research, science and technology. This can provide new opportunities to the youth to learn and work at the international level.
Tourism and culture will get a boost
Cultural relations between India and many countries of South-East Asia are very old. Buddhist pilgrimages, historical sites and religious tourism are being promoted. The local economy also benefits from increased tourism. Cultural programs help in bringing people of both the regions closer to each other.
How many challenges does the policy face?
There are some challenges before the Act East Policy. Many connectivity projects are not completed on time. Difficult geographical conditions in border areas also affect development works. Issues related to regional security also sometimes slow down the pace of plans. Apart from this, global economic conditions may also have an impact.
India is working towards strengthening this policy in the coming years. Special attention is being given to new business partnerships, modern infrastructure and digital cooperation. There are also plans to develop North-East India as a gateway to Asia. If connectivity projects are completed on time and regional cooperation increases, the positive results of this policy may become more visible.
When and where will PM Modi go?
- Indonesia: 6 to 8 July 26
- Australia: 8 to 10 July 26
- New Zealand: July 11, 2026
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