2 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines (Act East Policy & Neighbourhood First Policy)

What is India's Foreign Policy Doctrines (Act East Policy & Neighbourhood First Policy)?

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines are guiding principles and strategies that shape India's engagement with the world. The Act East Policy is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region, while the Neighbourhood First Policy prioritizes strengthening ties with immediate neighbors.

Historical Background

The Act East Policy evolved from the Look East Policy, launched in 1991 by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao, primarily focusing on economic integration with Southeast Asia. It was upgraded to 'Act East' in 2014 by PM Modi, expanding its scope to strategic and security dimensions and extending to East Asia and the Western Pacific. The Neighbourhood First Policy was articulated by PM Modi in 2014, emphasizing proactive engagement and cooperation with India's immediate neighbors to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Act East Policy: Focuses on economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships with the extended Indo-Pacific region.

  • 2.

    Act East Policy: Emphasizes connectivity projects (e.g., Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway).

  • 3.

    Act East Policy: Promotes security cooperation, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management.

  • 4.

    Act East Policy: Aims to enhance India's role in regional forums like EAS (East Asia Summit) and ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum).

  • 5.

    Neighbourhood First Policy: Prioritizes bilateral relations with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

  • 6.

    Neighbourhood First Policy: Focuses on connectivity (physical, digital, people-to-people), trade, and development cooperation.

  • 7.

    Neighbourhood First Policy: Emphasizes mutual respect, non-interference, and shared prosperity.

  • 8.

    Neighbourhood First Policy: Aims to resolve disputes peacefully and build trust, promoting regional cooperation through forums like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

Visual Insights

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines: Act East & Neighbourhood First

This mind map illustrates the core tenets, evolution, and interconnectedness of India's 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy', highlighting their strategic extension and synergy in India's broader foreign policy framework.

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines

  • ●Act East Policy (2014)
  • ●Neighbourhood First Policy (2014)
  • ●Overarching Goals
  • ●Extension & Synergy

Recent Developments

4 developments
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Expansion of 'Act East' into Africa (as highlighted in the news) and the Indian Ocean Region, linking it to the broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

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Increased focus on maritime security and blue economy under Act East.

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Enhanced connectivity projects and energy cooperation under Neighbourhood First, including cross-border power grids and railway lines.

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India's role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to neighbors, strengthening goodwill.

Source Topic

PM Modi's Ethiopia Visit: Paving Way for Stronger India-Africa Ties

International Relations

UPSC Relevance

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper 2 (International Relations). Frequently asked in both Prelims (specific initiatives, timelines) and Mains (analysis of effectiveness, challenges, implications for India's regional and global standing).

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines: Act East & Neighbourhood First

This mind map illustrates the core tenets, evolution, and interconnectedness of India's 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy', highlighting their strategic extension and synergy in India's broader foreign policy framework.

India's Foreign Policy Doctrines

Economic Cooperation (Trade, Investment)

Strategic Partnerships (Security, Defense)

Connectivity Projects (Kaladan, Trilateral Highway)

Prioritize Bilateral Relations (e.g., Bangladesh, Nepal)

Connectivity (Physical, Digital, People-to-People)

Development Cooperation (Grants, LoC)

Regional Peace & Stability

Economic Growth & Prosperity

Links to Indo-Pacific Strategy

Extension into Africa (Ethiopia Visit)

Connections
Act East Policy (2014)→Overarching Goals
Neighbourhood First Policy (2014)→Overarching Goals
Act East Policy (2014)→Extension & Synergy
Neighbourhood First Policy (2014)→Extension & Synergy