ABSTRACT
In the current interplay of world politics, the new discussion in India is how India must push forward its reach in East Asia through its newly devised ‘Act East’ policy than just the previously stated ‘Look East’ policy.2 The countries of the region expect India to become a possible security provider for them through greater strategic and military engagements. Japan and South Korea, two of India’s ‘extended neighbours’ and ‘special partners’, for example, perceive India’s presence as being conducive to their strategic interests. Besides, the Americans have advocated that New Delhi must play a proactive role in East Asia. Given the interests of these different powers, the Indian political as well as official circles also recognise that India now sees itself as a net security provider.3 This chapter outlines how India and China are balancing each other between Beijing’s commanding politics in East Asia and India’s quest for greater power status, search for energy resources in the region as well as the quest to emerge as a possible security provider.
