India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Act East Policy
"Neighbourhood First" was announced in 2014 as a cornerstone of PM Modi's foreign policy — prioritising India's immediate neighbours (SAARC + Myanmar) as the first ring of Indian diplomacy. The "Act East Policy" (upgraded from "Look East" in 2014) focuses on deeper engagement with ASEAN, East Asia, and the Pacific, with India's northeastern states positioned as the gateway. Myanmar is uniquely placed as the only country that bridges both policies.
- Neighbourhood First countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, Myanmar
- Act East Policy key forums: ASEAN, EAS (East Asia Summit), RCEP (India withdrew in 2019), BIMSTEC
- BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): 7 members including India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand — India views it as the operational platform for Act East
- MAHASAGAR framework: Relatively new concept; focuses on Indian Ocean region connectivity and security, encompassing maritime cooperation
- NE India connectivity: Projects like Kaladan, Trilateral Highway, and Imphal-Mandalay bus service (paused due to conflict) are critical
● Tracked since March 04, 2026 · last seen May 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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