With reference to the "Look East Policy" of India, consider the following statements

1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs.

2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War.

3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Key Points

• Look East Policy:
  • "Look East Policy" of India was launched by the former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991.
  • The objective was to develop political, economic and security co-operation with countries in Southeast Asia. After the cold war, India wanted to act as a counterweight to China in Southeast Asia. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Objectives of Look East Policy:
    • To curb the increasing impact of China in the ASEAN region.
    • To promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and develop a strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
    • To establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
    • To increase the interaction of the North-Eastern Indian states with other neighbouring countries.

Additional Information

• Act East Policy: 
  • ​Act East Policy of India succeeded Look East Policy. The main objective was to have greater engagement in all spheres with countries in Southeast Asia as well as with far Eastern countries like Japan, South Korea, and countries in the Pacific region like Australia.
  • The major difference is Act East Policy not only focussed on developing political co-operation but also a cultural and strategic relationship between India and the extended neighbourhood of the Asia Pacific region.
  • Act East Policy was launched in 2014 by the Government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.