ASEAN and India: The Way Forward

India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992. In 1995, India became a full Dialogue Partner. In 2002, ASEAN and India held their first Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Since then, a bilateral Summit has been held annually.

India's relations with Southeast Asia date back a thousand years. There are many cultural, religious and people-to-people linkages between India and the 10 ASEAN member states. Trade and investment ties have also grown since the opening of the Indian economy in the early 1990s. Relations are good but not optimal.

ASEAN and India: The Way Forward hopes to inspire policymakers on both sides to understand the multifaceted relationship and explore ways to raise the bilateral ties to a higher peak.

The book first traces the evolution of ASEAN-India relations over the centuries. It then examines the key areas of convergence and divergence between ASEAN and India. The final part explores the emerging areas where ASEAN and India can deepen their cooperation.