India Act East Policy Malacca Strait

In recent news, Singapore has formally supported India’s plan to patrol the Malacca Strait, one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the world. This step strengthens the India Act East Policy Malacca Strait strategy, showcasing India’s growing role in ensuring Indo-Pacific maritime security.

For SSC aspirants, this topic is highly relevant as it combines international relations, geography, defence, and India’s foreign policy.

What is the Act East Policy?

• The Act East Policy was launched in 2014 (upgraded from the Look East Policy of the 1990s).

• It aims to deepen India’s relations with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

• Focus areas include connectivity, trade, cultural ties, and strategic defence partnerships.

• The India Act East Policy, Malacca Strait focus is also crucial for countering the Chinese naval presence in Asia.

Strategic Importance of the Malacca Strait

The Malacca Strait can be understood by its geography and trade role:

• Connects the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) with the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).

• Lies between Sumatra (Indonesia) and Malaysia + southern Thailand.

• The shortest sea route linking the Middle East and East Asia.

• Handles approximately 60% of global maritime trade.

• Major oil supply route for China and Japan.

For India, the India Act East Policy Malacca Strait link is vital because:

• It ensures energy security for India.

• It strengthens freedom of navigation in the Malacca Strait.

• It helps balance maritime chokepoints in Asia, where China seeks dominance.

India-Singapore Cooperation in Malacca Strait Patrols

During Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to India (September 2025), Singapore endorsed India’s participation in Malacca Strait patrols.

This enhances:

• India-Singapore relations in defence and maritime cooperation.

• India Indo-Pacific security through joint maritime surveillance.

• The India Act East Policy, Malacca Strait strategy, and expanding India’s influence in Southeast Asia.

The cooperation also includes future technologies such as:

• Quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Automation systems and unmanned vessels

• India-Singapore defence ties in high-tech warfare

Why the Malacca Strait is Vital for India’s Act East Policy

The India Act East Policy Malacca Strait strategy highlights three key factors:

1. Strategic Geography – A chokepoint for Asian powers dependent on oil imports.

2. Energy Security – Ensures energy security for India and uninterrupted trade.

3. Countering China – Explains how India counters China’s influence in the Malacca Strait.

Thus, the India Act East Policy Malacca Strait focus ensures that New Delhi plays a central role in the Indo-Pacific architecture.

India Indo-Pacific Security and Wider Implications

• India's Indo-Pacific security relies heavily on open and safe sea routes.

• India’s maritime surveillance and freedom of navigation in the Malacca Strait are critical to counter regional threats.

• The India Act East Policy and, Malacca Strait strategy strengthen India’s presence in Southeast Asia.

• IndiaSingapore'se cooperation in Malacca Strait patrols serves as a model for future regional partnerships.

Key Takeaways for SSC Exams

• Focus Keyword: India Act East Policy Malacca Strait → central to India’s foreign and security policy.

• Static GK: The Malacca Strait connects the Indian Ocean (Andaman Sea) with the Pacific Ocean (South China Sea).

• Current Affairs: Singapore supported India’s patrol plan in September 2025.

• Strategic Importance: Handles 60% of global maritime trade and ensures energy security in India.

• Defence Ties: India-Singapore to cooperate in AI, Quantum, automation, and unmanned naval assets.

Possible SSC/UPSC Questions

MCQs

1. The Malacca Strait connects which two seas?

   • (a) Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal

   • (b) Andaman Sea & South China Sea ✅

   • (c) Red Sea & Arabian Sea

   • (d) Bay of Bengal & Mediterranean Sea

2. Which country recently supported India’s plan to patrol the Malacca Strait?

   • (a) Japan

   • (b) Indonesia

   • (c) Singapore ✅

   • (d) Thailand

Mains-Type

• Explain the significance of the India Act East Policy and, Malacca Strait strategy in India’s foreign and security framework.

Final Thoughts

The India Act East Policy Malacca Strait reflects India’s growing strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region. By securing freedom of navigation in the Malacca Strait, India safeguards its energy and trade interests while enhancing regional maritime security.

The cooperation with Singapore in Malacca Strait patrols strengthens bilateral defence and technology ties, including AI, quantum computing, and unmanned vessels. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to countering strategic challenges, particularly from China's naval presence in key sea lanes. The move also reinforces India’s Act East Policy, projecting its influence across Southeast Asia.