India, Oct. 26 -- India's relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at a defining crossroads. What began as a civilisational bond tracing back to the maritime trade routes of the Chola and Srivijaya empires has evolved

into one of the twenty-first century's most dynamic economic and strategic partnerships. As the 47th ASEAN Summit convenes in Kuala Lumpur next week, it encapsulates both opportunities and challenges for India's Act East Policy - its grand strategy to integrate with the economies of Southeast Asia and assert a stronger presence in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN's importance in India's external engagement cannot be overstated. With a collective GDP exceeding 4.5 trillion dollars and a population ...