The correct answer is: c) Southeast Asia.
The ‘Look East Policy’ (later ‘Act East Policy’) of India has aimed to boost connectivity and economic ties between India and Southeast Asia. The policy was launched in 1992 with the aim of enhancing India’s economic and strategic ties with the ASEAN countries. The policy has been successful in boosting trade and investment between India and Southeast Asia. In 2014, India and ASEAN signed a free trade agreement, which has further boosted trade and investment between the two regions. The policy has also helped India to improve its strategic ties with Southeast Asia. India has been participating in joint military exercises with ASEAN countries and has also been working with them to counter terrorism.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option (a), China, is incorrect because China is a major rival of India. India and China have been engaged in a border dispute for many years.
- Option (b), Bhutan, is incorrect because Bhutan is a small country that is not a major economic or strategic partner of India.
- Option (d), Nepal, is incorrect because Nepal is a landlocked country that is not a major economic or strategic partner of India.