This article examines India’s relations with ASEAN vis-h-vis the organisation’s interactions with China for a better understanding of India’s position in regional politics and balance. Such an approach also helps in analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian policy towards ASEAN. Rather than merely tracing New Delhi’s dealings with ASEAN over the last 25years, the present paper delineates significant steps and policies that have benefitted Indian interests in the engagement with the Southeast Asian organisation. Against this background, it also probes the China factor in India—ASEAN relations.
