INDIA'S LOOK EAST POLICY-PART (1/2)

History and Initial Years:-

                   After World war 2 ended in 1945, the decentralization of power started in the World. England, France, and Germany became economically weaker and two new superpowers emerged, the first one being the USA (United States Of America) and second, being the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) and the Cold War started between these two Countries in 1947 for getting the upper hand in international politics. But in 1991 USSR got separated which resulted in the end of the Cold war. 

                 In this whole scenario India never actually became the part of the Cold war but got a lot more Military support and equipment from USSR. But after the separation of the USSR, India's Foreign policy changed drastically along with the liberalization of the economy under the government of Late Honorable PM P. V. Narasimha Rao. Which allowed India to freely open its market to the world.  

                  In 1962, India and China fought the war, and a new regional enemy formed for India. In the late 20th century the People's Republic Of China was becoming a contender of the superpower crown. China's influence in the South China Sea and in the Indian Ocean started soaring. Also, Border disputes were occurring on regular basis between India and China.

                  So in 1991, India decided to LOOK EAST for Economic, Strategic, and Military allies. India and southeast Asian countries used to have cultural and economic activities for a longer period. Slowly but steadily India started getting into the regional alliance of A.S.E.A.N. (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) also increased its effectiveness in S.A.A.R.C. (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) and B.I.M.S.T.E.C. (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Co-operation). In the initial 10 years of the policy, it was only about gaining some ground in the region. India managed to do it successfully. In 1992 India used to have a trade of 2 billion US Dollars which raised considerably to 20 Billion US Dollars in 2002 with these countries. In 2000, M.G.C. (Mekong-Ganga Cooperation) was formed between India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam for cooperation in Culture, Tourism, Education, and Transportation. From the past 3 decades it's been Tug of War between India and China for getting friendly allies in each other's neighbors and the game is still ON.

I will explain more about India and these organization's action plan in the next part. See you guys in Part (2 /2).

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande