4.3. India’s Look East Policy (1990s)

While the Look East policy officially began in the early 1990s, the foundations of India’s economic and strategic engagement with East and Southeast Asia were laid during the 1980s.

India's Look East Policy emerged in the 1990s, but its roots trace back to initiatives started in the 1980s. During this time, India began recognizing the importance of strengthening connections with countries in East and Southeast Asia for both economic and strategic reasons. By looking east, India aimed to enhance its trade relationships, foster diplomatic ties, and increase its influence in a region that was rapidly developing.

Think of the Look East Policy like planting a garden. In the 1980s, India was preparing the soil and selecting the right seeds (establishing initial relationships), but it was not until the 1990s that the flowers (economic and strategic partnerships) began to bloom and flourish.

India sought to expand its economic and trade relations with countries like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations.

A primary objective of the Look East Policy was to boost India’s economic growth by expanding trade with East Asian nations like Japan and South Korea. Additionally, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries were pivotal in this strategy. By fostering trade agreements and partnerships, India aimed to become a significant player in regional trade dynamics, which would help in bolstering its own economy alongside enhancing its geopolitical standing.

Imagine that India is a student looking to study abroad. Just like that student would research and connect with universities in different countries to find the best fit for their studies, India pursued partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations to enrich its economic 'education' and growth.

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