Question

With reference to the “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements:
1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs.
2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War.
3. India wants to restore historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Hint:

The Look East Policy followed India’s 1991 economic reforms, not the end of the Cold War.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept.
The Look East Policy is India's strategy, launched in the early 1990s, to build stronger economic and strategic ties with Southeast and East Asia.

Step 2: Check statement 1.
One clear aim of the policy is for India to be seen as a significant player in East Asian affairs, so statement 1 is true.

Step 3: Check statement 2.
The policy is not framed as filling a gap left by the end of the Cold War; it is instead a response to India's own post-1991 economic liberalisation and the need for new markets and partners. Statement 2 is not one of its stated goals, so it is false.

Step 4: Check statement 3.
Reviving old cultural, civilisational, and trade links with Southeast and East Asian neighbours is one of the core goals of the policy, so statement 3 is true.

Step 5: Final Answer.
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, so the answer is option B, 1 and 3 only.