India’s 'Act East' Policy Gains Momentum in Modi’s Third Term
In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, India’s ‘Act East’ policy has become a major focus. High-level visits by key Indian leaders to Southeast Asia highlight this strategic shift. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have all been active in reinforcing India’s connections with ASEAN countries.
Key Diplomatic Visits
President Droupadi Murmu
During her travels, President Murmu visited Timor-Leste, Fiji, and New Zealand, enhancing India’s ties with these nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Modi hosted the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia in New Delhi. He also made significant trips to Brunei and Singapore. Notably, Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei on a bilateral trip since Independence. His early visits to Singapore and Brunei in his third term emphasize the importance India places on Southeast Asia.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Minister Jaishankar has also been busy, hosting his counterparts from Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. He visited Laos and Singapore to further diplomatic relations during the initial months of Modi 3.0.
Focus on Southeast Asia and Defense Cooperation
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei was particularly aimed at solidifying bilateral relations and addressing any concerns about India’s commitment to the region. The two nations share a strong defense cooperation. Modi’s trip to Singapore was timely, coinciding with the transition of leadership there, as PM Lawrence Wong took office on May 15, 2024. The productive meeting between Modi and Wong, lasting over four hours, underscores the high priority both countries place on their bilateral relationship.
Economic and Technological Collaborations
Singapore-India Economic Ties
As PM Modi arrived in Singapore, CapitaLand, a major real estate developer, announced plans to double its investments in India to over Rs. 90,280 crores. Additionally, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries to enhance cooperation in the semiconductor sector.
Semiconductor Sector Collaboration
Singapore, a global hub for semiconductor production, plays a crucial role in the semiconductor supply chain. The city-state contributes about 10% of global semiconductor output and houses top firms across all segments of the semiconductor value chain, including MediaTek, Qualcomm, and GlobalFoundries. India’s focus on this sector during Modi’s visit reflects a strategic move to strengthen its semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience.
India’s ‘Act East’ policy under Modi’s third term is making significant strides, with key visits and agreements aimed at boosting ties with Southeast Asia.
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The emphasis on defense cooperation, economic investments, and technological collaboration, especially in the semiconductor industry, highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its role in the region.
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