From Look East to Act East: India's Strategic Engagement with Southeast Asia (2014-2025)

Author(s)	Mr. Chhindu Ram
Country	India
Abstract	India's relationship with Southeast Asia changed drastically when it switched from the "Look East" policy to the "Act East" policy in 2014. This study looks at how India's Act East Policy changed, how it was put into action, and what happened as a result from 2014 to 2025. It looks at how it affected trade, military cooperation, cultural exchanges, and the security situation in the area. This study uses in-depth data analysis and policy review to show that the Act East Policy has made India's economic integration with ASEAN much stronger, strengthened military relationships, and improved India's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific area. The results show that trade between the two countries has grown by 180%. Defense cooperation has grown through joint drills and maritime security projects, and cultural and educational exchanges have grown. Because of this change, India is now a major player in the structure of Southeast Asia and has helped keep the region's balance as global conditions change.
Keywords	Act East Policy, ASEAN-INDIA relations, Indo-Pacific strategy, Southeast Asia, Economic integration, Defense cooperation
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-23
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71861

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