International Relations : Regional Organisations

Q 12 / 25

UPSC CSE Prelims 2011

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

  1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in the East Asian affairs.
  2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of 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 ?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Look East Policy was initiated in the early 1990s to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast and East Asian countries through economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation.

  • Statement 1: Correct.
    A key objective of the Look East Policy was to enhance India’s role in East Asian affairs and strengthen political, economic, and strategic engagement with countries in the region.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect.
    The policy was not aimed at filling any geopolitical vacuum created by the end of the Cold War. Its primary purpose was to deepen economic integration and cooperation with rapidly growing economies of Southeast and East Asia.
  • Statement 3: Correct.
    The policy also aimed to revive and strengthen historical and cultural linkages between India and countries of Southeast and East Asia, reflecting long-standing civilizational contacts and trade relations.

Key Takeaway: The Look East Policy focused on strengthening India’s economic, strategic, and cultural engagement with Southeast and East Asia rather than addressing geopolitical power vacuums.

SOURCEEnvironment by Shankar IAS, Chapter 10: International Environmental Conventions