A flurry of two-way traffic within the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and beyond in 2015 marked a firming up of the Narendra Modi led government's commitment towards its Act East policy. China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean and assertiveness in maritime territorial disputes in East Asia has reinforced the relevance of an enhanced Indian role in East and Southeast Asia for India and its Asia-Pacific partners.The government's commitment to pursue economic growth and a more ambitious foreign policy will lead to an increased eastward focus.