Over the last decade, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has invested huge political capital in transforming its engagement with Southeast and East Asian countries under its Act East Policy. Consequently, ties between India and these countries have reached a new high.
Unlike his predecessors, Modi has focused on building defense and security cooperation with ASEAN countries under the Act East policy. New Delhi’s expanding cooperation with Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and others on defense sends a clear message about India’s desire to play a major role in promoting peace and…