The correct answer is: a) Southeast Asian countries.
The Act East Policy is a foreign policy initiative of the Government of India aimed at enhancing India’s economic engagement with the countries of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The policy was announced in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it has since been implemented through a number of initiatives, including the establishment of new diplomatic missions, the signing of trade agreements, and the promotion of investment and tourism.
The Act East Policy is motivated by a number of factors, including India’s desire to diversify its economic partnerships, to counter the growing influence of China in the region, and to promote its own strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The policy has been met with a positive response from the countries of Southeast Asia, and it has the potential to significantly boost India’s economic and strategic ties with the region.
The other options are incorrect because they do not represent the primary focus of the Act East Policy. The Middle Eastern nations, the European Union, and African countries are all important partners for India, but they are not the primary focus of the Act East Policy.