India and South Asia : SAARC, Look East Policy, Act East Policy

India’s relationship with South Asia is defined by its geographical, cultural, and historical ties with its neighbors, as well as its role as a dominant regional power. Key initiatives like SAARC, the Look East Policy, and the Act East Policy reflect India’s strategic approach to fostering regional cooperation and extending its influence beyond immediate neighbors.

India and South Asia: SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, is the primary regional organization for South Asia. It includes eight members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Objectives of SAARC

1. Promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
2. Strengthen collective self-reliance among member states.
3. Foster mutual trust and understanding.
4. Enhance cooperation in regional and global forums.

India’s Role in SAARC

1. Economic and Strategic Significance:
   • India accounts for a large portion of the region’s economy and population, giving it a central role in SAARC’s activities.
   • India has initiated multiple regional projects, such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and connectivity initiatives.
2. Key Contributions:
   • Disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
   • Promotion of regional connectivity (e.g., energy cooperation, rail and road projects).
   • Contributions to SAARC development funds.

Challenges Within SAARC

1. India-Pakistan Rivalry:
   • The tension between India and Pakistan has often stalled SAARC initiatives.
   • Cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s reluctance to cooperate on key issues have hindered progress.
2. Limited Regional Integration:
   • Intra-regional trade remains under 5% of total trade, far below other regional blocs.
   • Overlapping interests with other organizations, such as BIMSTEC, dilute SAARC’s focus.
3. China’s Growing Influence:
   • China’s increasing economic and strategic engagement in South Asia poses challenges for India’s leadership in the region.

Look East Policy (1991-2014)

The Look East Policy, introduced in 1991 under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, marked a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy toward engaging with Southeast Asia.

Objectives

1. Strengthen economic and strategic relations with ASEAN countries.
2. Attract foreign investment and integrate India with global supply chains.
3. Foster people-to-people ties, including cultural and educational exchanges.

Achievements

1. Economic Integration:
   • India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (1992), Full Dialogue Partner (1996), and member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) (1996).
   • Trade with ASEAN nations increased significantly, supported by agreements like the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
2. Strategic Cooperation:
   • Participation in East Asia Summit (EAS) and collaboration on regional security issues.
   • Increased military exchanges and joint exercises with ASEAN members.
3. Connectivity Projects:
   • Initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project aimed to enhance regional connectivity.

Act East Policy (2014-Present)

The Act East Policy, launched in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, builds on the Look East Policy but with a broader scope and greater emphasis on action-oriented engagement.

Key Features

1. Expanded Focus:
   • Includes not just Southeast Asia but also East Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
   • Emphasis on strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions.
2. Indo-Pacific Strategy:
   • Enhances India’s role in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
   • Strengthened ties with countries like Japan, Australia, and the United States under the Quad framework.
3. Economic Cooperation:
   • Focus on trade and investment with ASEAN and East Asian countries.
   • Collaboration in emerging sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.
4. Connectivity and Infrastructure:
   • Fast-tracking projects like the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and BIMSTEC connectivity initiatives.
   • Engagement in multilateral frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), even though India opted out of RCEP due to trade concerns.
5. Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
   • Promoting shared cultural heritage through events, festivals, and educational exchanges.
   • Encouraging tourism and academic collaboration.

Comparing Look East and Act East Policies

India’s Engagement with South Asia and Beyond

1. BIMSTEC:
   • India has increasingly focused on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as an alternative to SAARC.
   • BIMSTEC connects South and Southeast Asia, emphasizing economic and maritime cooperation.
2. India’s Challenges in South Asia:
   • Balancing leadership aspirations with respect for the sovereignty of smaller neighbors.
   • Countering Chinese influence in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
3. Future Prospects:
   • Focus on enhancing regional trade and infrastructure.
   • Strengthening multilateral ties through proactive engagement in regional organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN.

India’s approach to South Asia and Southeast Asia reflects its aspirations for regional leadership, economic integration, and security cooperation. While challenges remain, the Act East Policy underscores India’s commitment to playing a larger role in shaping the regional and global order.