Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji serves an important message that India is ready to assert its interest in Far East. New Delhi should capitalise on this opportunity and adopt a more assertive approach. As far as Far East policy is concerned India always had a half-hearted approach at creating an effective mechanism by integrating with these countries. The absence of India in APEC meeting in Beijing last week is the reflection of this fact. Modi’s visit to Myanmar coincides with Asean-India summit and the East Asia summit. At ASEAN, Modi invited the 10-nation bloc to be part of India’s new economic journey. The group reciprocated its support to PM’s strong ‘Make in India’ pitch. Both summits give an ample opportunity for India to strengthen its position to push forward country’s membership to APEC-which is the economic power club of the region. The summit also opens window for India to seek stake in free trade area of Asia Pacific and even the US-led Trans Pacific partnership. By doing so it will provide India with the strategic leverage in the region and boost growth at home. But to open up, India will have to soften its stand shown at the recent WTO trade felicitation. Modi is also scheduled to address G-20 summit during the Australian leg of the tour. He will also address the Australian Parliament which would be the first ever by any Indian Prime Minister. The improving ties open new phase in the field mining, energy service and education thus taking economic opportunity to new high. With substantial Indian diaspora, Fiji holds great significance for India in propelling Far East policy and which would help New Delhi enhance its reach in the region. What is needed is that India should revamp its Far East-Look policy and give an impetus to wider Asia-Pacific strategic relations.
