Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, launched in 2014, has established a strategic framework that has repositioned India as a significant power in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its commitment to the security and prosperity of Southeast Asia.

Through strengthened integration, improved connectivity, and engagement in regional resilience and security, Southeast Asia has gained from a more robust counterbalance and India's economic and security collaborations, as highlighted in a report released on Wednesday.

As per a report by the Eurasia Review, by focusing on ASEAN and the broader maritime area from the Andaman Sea to the Strait of Malacca, the policy highlights the significance of India’s strategic role, providing reassurance to the region facing renewed threats and tensions.

“India has historically been underestimated regarding its power, influence, and role as a regional and global leader. Its emergence as a major economic force and a key balancing entity in the Indo-Pacific has never been more crucial, especially as China experiences a prolonged phase of economic slowdown and strategic challenges,” the report notes.

For Malaysia and Southeast Asia, this shift is tangible, with India at the center of their future economic and geopolitical considerations, serving as a bastion of stability and strength in areas like economic resilience, security support, food and energy security, access to technology, and strategic options.

The report stresses that Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Malaysia on February 7 and 8 is of strategic importance for both nations, particularly for Malaysia, allowing it to move beyond traditional hedging strategies and acknowledge India as a primary strategic partner for the decades to come.

It further asserts that India's current and future roles have never been more critical, with its ascent occurring parallel to China's economic decline, thus reshaping the regional power dynamics.

“For Malaysia, the decision is not between India and other nations, but about whether to proactively prepare for India's rise or adapt later. Both countries face similar future challenges and opportunities,” the report emphasizes.

“Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a pivotal moment in forging a new era of interconnected relations with mutual benefits in a multi-faceted partnership rooted in history, trust, and shared aspirations for the future. Strengthening ties with India in defense, technology, semiconductors, energy, food security, education, and culture is essential for the long-term prosperity, security, and autonomy of the region and Malaysia,” it concludes.