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.

Q. 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. (15 marks, 250 words)

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.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. PM's Departure statement ahead of his three nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand — PIB (6 July 2026) — visit dates, Act East/MAHASAGAR framing, Indonesia CSP (2018), Prambanan, diaspora, hosts Prabowo/Albanese/Luxon, Republic Day 2025, NZ FTA.