Why India’s Global South ambitions must turn to Southeast Asia

India was ranked ninth out of the most relevant dialogue partners for ASEAN in the latest edition of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute State of Southeast Asia survey report, released this month. This result was ascribed to the “influence of regional dynamics and geopolitical alignments on perceptions of India’s importance within Southeast Asia.” Surprisingly, however, Southeast Asian respondents also considered India among the top “third party” choices to hedge against the uncertainties of the strategic rivalry between the United…