Q3.Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.

India's Look East Policy (LEP), initiated in 1991, marked a strategic reorientation post-Cold War. Amidst economic liberalization, it aimed to deepen engagement with Southeast and East Asia, moving beyond traditional non-alignment.

Economically, LEP focused on enhancing trade, investment, and connectivity. Projects like the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport and Trilateral Highway aimed to integrate India with ASEAN economies, secure energy resources, and access new markets, fostering mutual growth.

Strategically, LEP sought to balance China's growing influence, enhance maritime security, and promote regional stability. India deepened engagement with ASEAN, participated in the East Asia Summit, and fostered security dialogues, asserting its role as a regional power.

LEP successfully diversified India's economic partners and enhanced its regional influence. Evolving into the more proactive Act East Policy, it solidified India's presence, though challenges in project implementation persist. Overall, LEP transformed India's engagement, contributing significantly to its rise.