Emerging India in Asia-Pacific

Following independence in 1947, India was found to be more inward-looking than showing concern for its eastern neighbors. Its indifference to the ASEAN process and inclination towards the Soviet Union only widened the gulf between India and the ASEAN members. The termination of the Cold War brought in a radical change in the perceptions and approaches of the regional powers towards regional cooperation. India's gradual integration with ASEAN; the enlargement of ASEAN into a full-fledged regional grouping; and ASEAN's Summit level dialogues with China, Japan, Korea, and India have all kept the spirit of regional cooperation high. Having steered its 'Look East Policy' as a means of getting integrated with East Asia, India is now committed to consolidating the partnerships at various levels. India is not only being projected as a counter-balance to China, but also considered as a bridge to the markets of other Asian countries. The historic East Asia Summit held in December 2005 at Kuala L