Limaye, Satu P

Abstract
An examination of India’s erratic & often marginal political, economic, & security relations with Southeast Asia in 2002 describes India’s long-standing historical, cultural, & religious ties with Southeast Asia as well as its past isolation from & irrelevance to the region. The launching of India’s “Look East” policy in the 1990s is examined, along with current initiatives that are being pursued by both sides in an effort to make India a more attractive trade & investment partner. Consideration is also given to obstacles to closer relations, including perceptions of India as a “regional bully” towards its smaller neighbors; India’s past lack of cooperation within the region; & the dispute between India & Pakistan. The impact on India-Southeast Asian relations of terrorism & India’s more assertive foreign policies, especially in relation to Russia, China, & the US, is discussed. It is concluded that India-Southeast Asia relations are best described as an “ongoing recalibration rather than a reincarnation” that will move slowly from indifference & isolation to improved political, economic, & security ties.