In recent years, Asia`s economic and strategic environment has been transformed in a fundamental sense. The emerging `Asian Economic Community`—encompassing ASEAN, China, Japan, India and South Korea—is being widely viewed as the centre of gravity of the global economy. Because of its strategic position, India is destined to play a significant role in shaping the emerging profile of Asia.

Against this background, this volume explores Asia`s dramatic re-emergence on the global scene as well as India`s role in ensuring peace, security, stability and development in the continent. In recent years, India has redefined its position within Asia and has emerged as a significant player. The contributors offer new perspectives on Asia concerning the nature of its politics and governance, the reasons for its insecurity, the need for greater regional cooperation, and its intrinsic strengths and weaknesses. They implicitly or explicitly share the view that the `twenty-first century belongs to Asia`.