The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has, from the point of view of the big powers, become an important factor in the balance of power struggle. Political as well as economic reasons seem to suggest closer relations with the People’s Republic of China.

This paper makes the case that time is ripe for the countries in southeast and northeast Asia to actively seek greater integration with India. The case is based on two arguments. First, China has emerged as an increasingly aggressive and belligerent power bringing it into conflict with its...