Despite FTA in services and investments with India, Asean's trade in 2016-17 was only $71 billion, in comparison to the $470 billion trade with China. Asean economies depend upon China for survival but the members are uncomfortable with it.The full potential of India-Asean relations has to be tapped. Asean, on its part, should be more ambitious with defence and security cooperation with India. Can India think of exporting its Light Combat Aircraft and other defence equipment to Asean? There should be a serious dialogue with the member nations on this.If China scares Asean, the US confuses them.

Source: Economic Times January 23, 2018 02:26 UTC