Consider the following Assertion and Reason:
Assertion (A): In 2014, the "Look East" policy was replaced by the "Act East" policy.
Reason (R): The "Look East" policy focused on economic integration with ASEAN countries, whereas the "Act East" policy focused on ASEAN countries + Economic Integration + East Asian countries + Security Cooperation.
Which of the following is correct with respect to the above?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
India did upgrade the 1990s 'Look East' policy to 'Act East' in 2014, so the Assertion is correct. The Reason accurately captures the shift: 'Look East' was largely about economic integration with ASEAN, while 'Act East' broadened the scope to wider East Asia, added a strong security dimension and a more action-oriented engagement. Because the Reason explains exactly why the relabelling happened, it's the correct explanation.