The much delayed measures in pursuit of Act East policy have at last taken off. The presence of all heads of governments or states of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) as combined chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations marks big stride on part of India in pursuance of its Act East policy. Of late, this belt, ASEAN has assumed importance, politically and economically.
Though Modi government has won attraction of ASEAN countries for Indian government's out-reach to invite FDI from off-shore, but yet it is not to the required level and is too inadequate, this diarist feels.
India’s extending invitation to all heads of ASEAN countries and states as combined chief guest for republic day celebrations in Delhi will surely go a long way in winning ASEAN countries away from Chinese influence.
Also, this will help show world community and others in vicinity too that India has started looking beyond narrow definition of neighborhood that hitherto was confined only upto SAARC countries…this will surely win India more friends abroad and also will help bring more FDI into country – 'wow moment indeed for India’s foreign policy that it has started beyond Look East to Act East mode now.