Vijayawada, February 24, 2026: Noted policy analyst Sanjaya Baru delivered a lecture in Vijayawada urging India to prioritise a stronger “Look East” approach.
He argued that India should study the rapid economic rise of East and Southeast Asian nations including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore rather than depending mainly on Western strategies.
Key lessons include heavy investment in education, growth in labour-intensive manufacturing, and better relations with neighbours.
Baru highlighted historical economic parity between India and China centuries ago, noting China's current lead but recent slowdown as an opening for India. He stressed resolving border issues through dialogue to enable cooperation, warning that ongoing rivalry benefits Western powers.
Travel to these Asian societies, he said, would reveal effective blends of state policy, industry, and global links.
