GS Question

India's Look East Policy, launched in the early 1990s, aimed at deepening India's economic engagement with East and Southeast Asian countries. This policy was driven by several economic and strategic dimensions, which were particularly relevant in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

Economic Dimensions:

1. Market Access: With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, India sought to diversify its trade partners and reduce its dependence on Western markets. The Look East Policy allowed India to tap into the rapidly growing economies of East and Southeast Asia, providing access to a large consumer market and export opportunities for Indian goods and services.

2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The Look East Policy aimed to attract FDI from East Asian countries, which had rapidly industrialized and accumulated significant capital. These investments could provide much-needed technology, expertise, and capital to India's emerging industries and infrastructure projects.

3. Economic Reforms: The policy coincided with India's domestic economic reforms, such as liberalization and globalization. Through its engagement with East Asian countries, India sought to learn from their successful models of economic development and emulate their policies to accelerate its own growth and development.

Strategic Dimensions:

1. Containing China's Influence: China's rise as a global economic and military power raised concerns among many regional countries, including India. By forging closer ties with East Asian countries, India aimed to counterbalance China's influence in the region. This was particularly evident in India's deepening strategic partnership with countries like Japan, which shared similar concerns about China's assertiveness.

2. Strengthening Regional Security: Cooperation with East Asian countries helped India enhance regional security in the post Cold War era. India actively participated in various multilateral forums like ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and East Asia Summit (EAS) to promote regional stability, peace, and dialogue. This allowed India to play a proactive role in shaping regional security architectures.

3. Maritime Security: With around 90% of global trade passing through maritime routes, the Look East Policy emphasized the importance of securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). India aimed to establish a strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, enabling it to effectively protect its interests and contribute to the stability of the region.

In conclusion, India's Look East Policy in the post Cold War international scenario had significant economic and strategic dimensions. While the policy primarily aimed at diversifying India's trade and attracting FDI, it also sought to counterbalance China's rising influence in the region and contribute to regional security. This policy has evolved over time and has been instrumental in shaping India's role in East and Southeast Asia.