The ASEAN bloc is the central part of India’s Act East Policy and SAGAR initiative. Discuss.

India has changed its foreign policy to put more emphasis on Eastern countries. The ASEAN bloc is important part of India’s policy and has been an important partner of India.

Importance in Act East Policy:

• Act East policy of India aims to improve India’s relations with its eastern partners, with ASEAN being in central focus.
• It aims to improve trade with ASEAN members.
• Increase economic activities in Northeast India by involvement of ASEAN nations like Myanmar (Kaladan multimodal project).
• It also aims to strengthen strategic cooperation with ASEAN nations.

Importance in SAGAR:

• SAGAR initiative is aimed at providing security in Indian Ocean to ensure a safe IOR.
• Asian countries form important members in IOR.
• To check rising dominance of China in IOR.
• To make India as a net security provider in the region.

ASEAN nations are important for trade, diplomacy and strategic considerations. Thus, their role in India’s foreign policy is important. 

Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations • GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements