CHINA FACTOR AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE OPERATION OF INDIA’S ACT EAST POLICY IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Abstract

The launch of India’s Act East Policy and its visible foray into Southeast Asia has initiated a new great game in the region. There is an emerging tussle between two Asian giants to establish its influence in Southeast Asia region. Given the geo-strategic and geo-economic importance of Southeast Asia, it occupies a centre stage in the tussle for influence between India and China. Neither India nor China can afford to lose out on the region. Given Arunachal Pradesh locational advantage in advancing India’s Act East Policy, the state is emerging to become a great partner in the success of the policy. However, China’s growing apprehension with India’s Act East Policy added with its continuous claim over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh has dampened the spirit of Act East Policy in Arunachal Pradesh.