The Look East Policy was a foreign policy initiative launched by India in the early 1990s, aimed at strengthening its ties with Southeast and East Asian countries. The main objective of the policy was to boost economic cooperation and promote regional integration.
Regarding the given statements,
India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in the East Asian affairs - This statement is correct as the Look East Policy was a strategic move by India to enhance its presence and influence in the dynamic and rapidly growing East Asian region. India sought to engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other East Asian countries to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of Cold war - This statement is partially correct as India did see an opportunity to strengthen its ties with East Asia following the end of the Cold War. However, the Look East Policy was not primarily aimed at filling the vacuum created by the end of the Cold War but was a more long-term strategic initiative to enhance India`s presence in the region.
India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbors in Southeast and East Asia - This statement is also correct. India had historical and cultural ties with many countries in Southeast and East Asia, which had weakened over time. The Look East Policy sought to revive these ties and build stronger economic and cultural links with the region.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (B) - 1 and 3 only