With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements:

1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs.
2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War.
3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statements 1 and 3 are correct

• India’s Look East Policy, launched in the early 1990s (and later evolved into the Act East Policy), aimed at enhancing economic and strategic relations with the Southeast Asian and East Asian countries. A central goal of the policy is for India to play a proactive role in the East Asian region, economically and strategically, enhancing its regional influence.
• Re-establishing historical, cultural, and civilizational linkages with countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc., is a key part of the Look East Policy.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• While the end of the Cold War did change global alignments, the Look East Policy was not specifically designed to “plug a vacuum”. That’s more of a Cold War-era geopolitical framework. The policy is forward-looking, focusing on engagement rather than filling a void left by superpowers.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only | Difficulty Level: Easy