India and Asean

After 29 years of operation, the Association of South‐east Asian Nations is the most successful experiment in Third World regionalism. Yet it was only in December 1995 that India became a full dialogue partner of the grouping. Initially ambivalent, India's enthusiasm grew from 1971 onwards but its political stance in the region, particularly over Cambodia, delivered a set‐back to the process. Differences over regional security and the role of the super‐powers in the region produced an uneasy relationship in the 1980s, while India's closed and regulated economy gave few incentives for ASEAN countries to develop a dialogue. Only Malaysia continued to favour a formal relationship with India, but no other ASEAN states were ready to join its declaration of support. It was not until the 1990s that the collapse of the former Soviet Union and moves to liberalize India's economy altered the situation. Formal discussions began in 1994, opening the prospect for India of eventual entry to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.