Act East Policy & Its Impact on North East India

Abstract

In the realm of international relations, India's "Look East Policy" has emerged as a strategic linchpin, directing the nation's gaze towards East and Southeast Asia to cultivate deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Evolving into the more assertive "Act East Policy," this geopolitical manoeuvre has profound implications for various regions across India, none more so than the historically marginalized but strategically crucial North East. This research paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the Look East Policy and its intricate impact on the socio-economic, cultural, and security dynamics of North East India. The paper embarks on its journey by tracing the policy's evolution, originating in the early 1990s and maturing into the Act East Policy, emblematic of its proactive and encompassing approach. By dissecting the policy's key objectives and the strategic imperatives guiding its implementation, the study aims to illuminate the underlying motivations that propel India's engagement with its eastern neighbours and the implications this has for the northeastern states.