Lok Sabha Question No. 4062 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-23
Subject: Act East Policy
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: NINONG ERING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4062 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.12.2015

## ACT EAST POLICY

## 4062. SHRI NINONG ERING:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  various  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  realise  the objectives of 'Act East Policy';
- (b) if so, the details of policy adopted thereof particularly in relation to  each  of  the  North  Eastern  States  including  the  State  of Arunanchal Pradesh; and
- (c) the further steps contemplated for the effective implementation of the said policy for the benefit of the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) India's Act East Policy focusses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region. The policy which was originally conceived as an  economic  initiative,  has  gained  political,  strategic  and  cultural dimensions  including  establishment  of  institutional  mechanisms  for dialogue and cooperation. India has upgraded its relations to strategic partnership  with  Indonesia,  Vietnam,  Malaysia,  Japan,  Republic  of Korea (ROK), Australia, Singapore and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and forged close ties with all countries in the AsiaPacific region. Further, apart from ASEAN, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and East Asia Summit (EAS), India has also been actively engaged in regional fora such  as  Bay  of  Bengal  Initiative for  Multi-Sectoral Technical  and  Economic  Cooperation  (BIMSTEC),  Asia  Cooperation Dialogue  (ACD),  Mekong  Ganga  Cooperation  (MGC)  and  Indian  Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Act East Policy has placed emphasis on IndiaASEAN cooperation in our domestic agenda on infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, skills, urban renewal, smart cities, Make in India and other initiatives. Connectivity projects, cooperation in space, S&T and  people-to-people  exchanges  could  become  a  springboard  for regional integration and prosperity.

(b) The  Objective  of  ''Act  East  Policy'  is  to  promote  economic cooperation,  cultural  ties  and  develop  strategic  relationship  with countries in the Asia-Pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral,  regional  and  multilateral  levels  thereby  providing  enhanced connectivity to the States of North Eastern Region including Arunanchal  Pradesh  with  other  countries  in  our  neighbourhood.  The North  East  of  India  has  been  a  priority  in  our  Act  East  Policy  (AEP). AEP provides an interface between North East India including the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the ASEAN region.  Various plans at bilateral and  regional  levels  include  steady  efforts  to  develop  and  strengthen connectivity of Northeast with the ASEAN region through trade, culture, people-to-people  contacts  and  physical  infrastructure  (road,  airport, telecommunication,  power,  etc.).  Some  of  the  major  projects  include Kaladan  Multi-modal  Transit  Transport  Project,  the  India-MyanmarThailand  Trilateral  Highway  Project,  Rhi-Tiddim  Road  Project,  Border Haats, etc.

- (c) The ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the period 2016-20 has been adopted in August 2015 which identifies concrete initiatives and areas of  cooperation  along  the  three  pillars  of  political-security,  economic and  socio-cultural.  India  continues  with  stepped  up  efforts  to  forge closer partnership with concerned regional and Multilateral organisation such as ASEAN, ARF, EAS, BIMSTEC, ACD, MCG and IORA. On the Civilizational front, Buddhist and Hindu links could be energized to develop new  contacts and connectivity between people. On Connectivity,  special  efforts  are  being  made  to  develop  a  coherent strategy, particularly for linking ASEAN with our North East.  Measures, including  building  transport  infrastructure,  encouraging  airlines  to enhance  connectivity  in  the  region,  contacts  between  academic  and cultural  institutions  are  underway.  Our  economic  engagement  with ASEAN has been stepped up - regional integration and implementation of  projects  are  priorities.  The  ASEAN-India  Agreement  on  Trade  in Service  and  Investments  has  entered  into  force  for  India  and  seven ASEAN countries from 1 July 2015. The ASEAN-India Trade Negotiating Committee has been tasked to undertake a review of the ASEAN-India Trade  in  Goods  Agreement.  India  has  also  invited  ASEAN  member states to participate in the International Solar Alliance which it has colaunched  with  France  on  30  November  2015  at  COP-21.  On  strategic issues, we have increasing convergence on security interests with key partners both in bilateral and multilateral format. Closer cooperation in combating terrorism, collaborating for peace and stability in the region and promotion of maritime security based on international norms and laws are being pursued.

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