18. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

18. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

With the disintegration of Soviet Union, India lost its most reliable ally and trade partner.  Post-1991 Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation India sought to diversify its trade and investment. South East Asia with its booming economy  and close proximity was an attractive option.

V Narasimha Rao government launched the look East policy to enhance political, economic, social and cultural relations with Southeast Asian countries. This helped the Indian economy, especially the growth in services sector was aided by this linkage. The North Eastern states (land bridge to Southeast Asia) also stand to gain significantly with the realisation of the Indian objectives.

India has also engage with multilateral organisations such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, East Asia Summit , Mekong Ganga cooperation, BCIM etc to secure its interest in this vital region. The signature a Free Trade Agreement between India and ASEAN in 2014 is expected to boost Indian economy. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) negotiations are also at the stage of closure. India has also initiated strategic dialogue with us on East asia.

The loss of the Soviet support its perceived conflict of interest with China lead India closer to the United States. The United States has viewed India as an important strategic swing state in its pivot to Asia policy. It had suggested that India should not only looked pissed that engage east and stay East. India has increased its engagement with Japan, Australia and other like minded countries in this region. Australia has been came to join Malabar Naval exercises.

The South Asian countries also have looked upon India as a stabilizing force in this region. Many of these countries have territorial disputes with China's 9 dash line. India has been expected  to play a larger role commensurate with its emerging power status in this region.

India also has significant political advantages of look East policy.  Under the current Regime the Policy was rechristened as ‘Act East’ in order to emphasize on India's deeper engagements in this region. The end of cold war and the changed global scenario necessitated policy changes to accommodate Indian interests. The emergence of multipolar world order has induced India to further enhance its integration and  deepen its economic links globally to increase its growth  and security.