Discuss the significance of India's 'Act East Policy' and 'MAHASAGAR Vision' in the context of PM's 2026 visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

The PM's three-nation visit (6–11 July 2026) to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand was expressly framed to advance India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and a free and open Indo-Pacific [1]. It signals a maturing eastward pivot from connectivity to comprehensive strategic engagement.

Significance of Act East Policy

• Southeast Asia anchor: First bilateral visit to Indonesia since ties were raised to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2018), deepening the ASEAN link [1].
• Civilisational diplomacy: Visit to the Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, revives shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage [1].
• Diaspora outreach: Engagement with the Indian community leverages soft power [1].
• Economic depth: Trade, investment and mobility talks with Australia (Albanese) and New Zealand (Luxon, FTA agenda) extend Act East beyond East Asia [1].

Significance of MAHASAGAR Vision

• Maritime security: Reinforces India's role as a net security provider across the Indian and Pacific Oceans [1].
• Indo-Pacific balancing: Coordinates with Quad partner Australia to sustain a rules-based, free and open order [1].
• Reciprocal engagement: Returns the state visits of President Prabowo (Republic Day 2025 Chief Guest) and PM Luxon (March 2025), institutionalising leader-level ties [1].

Together the two frameworks convert India's eastern outreach into strategic, economic and maritime substance. Sustained through FTAs, defence cooperation and diaspora networks, they position India as a credible Indo-Pacific power, aligning with SDG-17 (partnerships) and the vision of a stable, inclusive regional order.