Look East, Act East: Indian Imperatives in a Changing World

India’s connectivity with South and Southeast Asia has evolved, reflecting the country’s shift from a ‘Look East’ to an ‘Act East’ policy. Perceptions of India among its Eastern neighbours have also changed in tandem.

How is India approaching diplomacy with its neighbourhood? How can it further strengthen relations with South and Southeast Asian nations? And is its focus on the ASEAN helping bolster its prominence in the Indo-Pacific?

Drawing on the book, India’s Relations with Neighbouring South and South East Asian Countries (Springer, 2023), this event will explore India’s Eastern engagements, and what they mean for the world.

Programme

16:00 - 16:05 (IN)

Welcome remarks

• Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Kolkata and Centre for New Economic Diplomacy

16:05 - 16:10 (IN)

Moderator’s introduction

• Sohini Bose, Associate Fellow, ORF

16:10 - 16:20 (IN)

Anchor presentation

• Lipi Ghosh, Former Centenary Chair Professor of International Relations, University of Calcutta, and Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow, ORF

16:20 - 17:00 (IN)

Panel discussion

• Mala Rajo Sathian, Senior Lecturer, Department of Southeast Asian Studies, University of Malaya
• Sanjay Pulipaka, Chairperson, Politeia Research Foundation
• Pratnashree Basu, Associate Fellow, ORF
• Robin Ramcharan, Mahidol University International College 

17:00 - 17:25 (IN)

Q&A

17:25 - 17:30 (IN)

Vote of thanks

• Sreeparna Banerjee, Junior Fellow, ORF