The AEP was articulated during the PM's visit to Myanmar for the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN + India Summit in November, 2014.
- AEP is the policy graduation from Look East Policy enacted in 1992.
About Act East Policy (AEP)
- AEP focuses on the extended neighborhood (defined for the first time) in the Indo-Pacific region (IPR), with ASEAN as its core.
- Objective: Promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationships in the IPR by providing enhanced connectivity.
Achievements under AEP
- AEP positioned India’s launching pad to the IPR: E.g., India’s support of Philippines' on South China Sea dispute.
- AEP forged stronger strategic partnerships with Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, etc., and established close links with BIMSTEC and the IOR.
- Greater integration of Northeastern states with ASEAN to end economic isolation. E.g., India-Japan Act East Forum to promote development and connectivity.
Roadblocks to AEP
- Deeper Chinese integration in the ASEAN economy.
- India’s economic under-performance: E.g., India’s trade deficit $ 43.57 billion.
Way forward
Review of ASEAN FTA; promote tourism, partner with Singapore and Malaysia to boost Indian Semiconductor Mission, etc.
Initiatives under Act East Policy
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