Act East Policy

October 14, 2026 12:30 PM

India seeks open, inclusive Indo-Pacific, says Rajnath Singh at ASEAN-India defence forum

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for greater cooperation between India and ASEAN to promote peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the importance of mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and dialogue to address emerging security challenges. Addressing the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said Indi...

September 30, 2026 11:49 PM

AIME-2026 Begins in Philippines, India and ASEAN Maritime Forces Step Up Operational Cooperation

The Second Edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, on September 28, with Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish participating alongside maritime forces from ASEAN Member States. Conducted under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”, the exercise brings together maritime forces from India and ASEAN countries for professional, operational and social engagements aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperabilit...

September 15, 2026 11:18 AM

Jaishankar, Vietnam counterpart Le Hoai Trung review full spectrum of India-Vietnam ties

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in New Delhi on Monday. The two ministers held a productive and outcome-oriented discussion on further strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation...

July 13, 2025 11:49 AM

EAM Jaishankar meets Singapore’s Vivian Bala, reaffirms strategic ties under ‘Act East Policy’

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Sunday held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan, reaffirming the central role Singapore plays in India’s ‘Act East Policy’. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Singapore is at the heart of our Act East Policy. Always insightful to exchange views there. Great to meet FM Vivian Bala this morning in Singapore.” During his visit, Jaishankar also met Teo Chee Hean, Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings, where they di...

April 17, 2025 4:35 PM

Act East Policy and India’s North East

Over the years, India has recognized the importance of strengthening its ties with neighbouring regions to secure its place in the global arena. Consistent with this approach, India's foreign policy has traditionally been guided by a commitment to non-alignment and the cultivation of strategic partnerships. In the last few decades, India’s stance towards East and Southeast Asia has evolved considerably, moving from a more passive, observant role under the "Look East" policy to a dynamic, engag...

February 26, 2025 11:45 AM

Assam can act as a hub for our Act East policy: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to the 'Act East, Act Fast, and Act First' policy, emphasizing Assam's potential as a hub for the 'Act East Policy.' Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 in Guwahati on Tuesday, alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Jaishankar highlighted the shift in Delhi’s approach towards Assam and the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since 2014. "Happy to address Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 ...

October 22, 2024 1:04 PM

Singapore plays key role in Act-East policy: Rajnath Singh at defence ministers’ dialogue

Singapore's Defence Minister, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, has commenced a three-day visit to India, co-chairing the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue alongside his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi. The Summit began on Tuesday morning, with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcoming the Singapore delegation warmly. He noted that the strategic partnership the two countries share is a "testimony of increasing closeness between our countries." Singh said, "The meeting is ha...

October 8, 2024 3:16 PM

Prime Minister Modi set to visit Vientiane for ASEAN-India and East Asia summits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, on October 10-11, 2024, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, as per a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, which are being hosted by Laos as the current Chair of ASEAN. PM Modi's visit to Laos coincides with the 10th anniversary of India'...

September 16, 2024 3:30 PM

Brunei important partner in India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific Vision: PM Modi to Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday, emphasizing Brunei's crucial role in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. This meeting, part of PM Modi's first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei by an Indian Prime Minister, coincided with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. During the talks, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality the Sultan and the Royal Family extended. "I express my ...

September 16, 2024 3:30 PM

PM Modi, Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday, engaging in comprehensive discussions aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between India and Brunei as the two nations celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties. The talks were held at the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence and palace of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. PM Modi underscored Brunei's significance as a key partner in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. He emphasized the long...