Author : Sarabinder A. Atwal
Publisher :
Page : 27 pages
File Size : 11,17 MB
Release : 2016
Category : India
ISBN :
"The decline of the Soviet Union and poor economic growth in India forced India to make dramatic changes in its foreign policy and make a shift from non-alignment to engagement with developed nations in general and Southeast Asia in particular. India's Look East Policy was drafted in 1991 with an aim of building economic and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian nations. It also served in enhancing India's growing strategic importance in the region, building military cooperation and enhance confident of Southeast Asian nations in India. The present Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi has further given impetus to engagement with Southeast Asian nations with the 'Act East' policy. This paper examines how India's Look East Policy has enhanced India's strategic engagement in Southeast Asia and its growing economic and strategic importance in the region. Growing assertiveness of China in the region is a cause of great concern for not only Southeast Asian nations but also for the United States which seeks peace and stability in the region. The paper then explores the US-Indo relations, which have enhanced its economic and military engagement post-Cold War. Extension of US-India defense framework and participation of India in various military exercises has further strengthened the strategic partnership between the two nations. In the end, the paper explores the growing strategic importance of India in the region, greater politico-military engagement of India with Southeast Asian nations and greater enhancement of economic and defense cooperation between US and India is the way forward for ensuring security in Southeast Asia"--Abstract.