The Evolution of India's Look East Policy

This article tries to trace the evolution of India's Look East Policy, launched two decades ago, after the end of the Cold War. It analyses all the aspects of this policy, ranging from politico-strategic, economic, multi-lateral initiatives to its links with the region of Northeast. Structured within a theoretical paradigm, it goes on to establish that in the first decade of its inception, the policy had economic overtones guided by the neo-liberal policies of economic reforms adopted at home. But, gradually the strategic factors and security issues also gained due importance in the second decade, reflecting the neo-realist tinge of this policy. However, it concludes that now it is necessary that cultural diplomacy, using the instruments of soft power, should be of paramount importance in the region of Asia-Pacific for the Indian policy makers to secure its vital national interests. At the same time, it also underlines the need for a coordinated and a well thought out strategy, if it has to attain its desired objectives.