In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, the ‘Act East’ policy has emerged as a key foreign strategy, focusing on strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations. This initiative aims to enhance economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries in the ASEAN region and beyond, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
A renewed push towards infrastructure development, trade agreements, and security cooperation has marked India’s engagement with its eastern neighbors. The Indo-Pacific region, central to the ‘Act East’ policy, continues to be a vital focus as India seeks to counter China’s growing influence.
India’s participation in multilateral forums such as ASEAN, East Asia Summit, and Quad highlights its commitment to regional cooperation. Trade partnerships are being strengthened with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, with a special emphasis on connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
In Modi 3.0, India’s diplomatic moves indicate a clear focus on economic growth and regional stability. This shift ensures that India not only remains an active player but also a strategic partner in the rapidly evolving dynamics of Southeast Asia.
