HINTS:
The “Look East” policy, which was later renamed the “Act East” policy, is an initiative by the Indian government to strengthen its economic and strategic ties with the countries of Southeast Asia and East Asia.
The Act East Policy rests on four central themes – Connectivity, Commerce, Culture and Capacity-Building. The policy envisages to break the Northeast’s isolation through various connectivity projects and integrate it with national, regional and global markets.
Some of the key implications of the “Look East” policy on the northeastern region of India are:
Increased connectivity: The policy aims to improve connectivity between northeast India and southeast Asia by building infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and air links. This can help boost trade and tourism in the region. Enhanced regional connectivity will facilitate greater commerce, which will allow the region to explore wider markets for its products in the Southeast and East Asia. It will simultaneously provide greater product choices for the inhabitants of the region as the products from the Southeast and East Asia will be available to them. As people of the Northeast start trading, greater commerce will usher in an era of economic prosperity in the region.
Economic development: The policy can provide new opportunities for economic development in Northeast India. The region has significant potential for trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and energy. The policy can help to unlock this potential by promoting investment and trade links with Southeast Asia.
Cultural exchanges: The policy can help to promote cultural exchanges between Northeast India and Southeast Asia. The region shares historical and cultural links with Southeast Asia, and the policy can help to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the two regions.
Strategic importance: The policy can enhance the strategic importance of Northeast India. The region shares borders with several Southeast Asian countries, and the policy can help to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in the region.
Overall, the “Look East” policy has the potential to bring significant benefits to the northeastern region of India. However, its success will depend on the implementation of key initiatives, such as improving infrastructure and promoting investment and trade links with Southeast Asia.
