Trace the evolution of India’s relations with South-east Asia bringing out the main features of the relationship.

India's relations with Southeast Asia have evolved over centuries, shaped by geographical proximity, cultural linkages, economic interests, and geopolitical dynamics. The relationship between India and Southeast Asia has experienced periods of close interaction, cultural exchange, trade, and influence, as well as periods of relative distance and limited engagement. The evolution of India's relations with Southeast Asia can be traced through various historical periods:

1. Ancient and medieval connections: India's historical ties with Southeast Asia date back to ancient times, facilitated by maritime trade routes such as the Spice Route and the Silk Road. Indian traders, sailors, and scholars traveled to Southeast Asia, establishing commercial and cultural contacts with civilizations such as the Srivijaya Empire, the Majapahit Empire, and the Khmer Empire. Indian cultural and religious influences, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, spread to Southeast Asia, leaving a lasting impact on the region's art, architecture, language, and customs.

2. Colonial period: During the colonial era, India's relations with Southeast Asia were shaped by European colonial powers, particularly the British and the Dutch. British colonial expansion in India and Southeast Asia led to increased trade and economic ties between the two regions, as well as migration flows of Indian laborers, merchants, and professionals to Southeast Asia. Indian communities established diaspora networks in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar, contributing to the cultural diversity and economic development of the region.

3. Independence and post-colonial era: Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent decolonization of Southeast Asia, India sought to strengthen its relations with newly independent Southeast Asian countries based on principles of solidarity, anti-colonialism, and non-alignment. India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, championed the idea of "Asian solidarity" and supported the Bandung Conference in 1955, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and promoted cooperation among Asian and African nations.

4. Look East policy: In the 1990s, India adopted a "Look East" policy aimed at deepening economic, political, and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia in the context of India's economic liberalization and globalization. The end of the Cold War and the economic rise of Southeast Asian countries offered new opportunities for India to expand its regional outreach and diversify its foreign policy priorities. India became a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992 and joined the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996, signaling its commitment to regional cooperation and security.

5. Act East policy: In 2014, India upgraded its "Look East" policy to an "Act East" policy, reflecting its renewed emphasis on proactive engagement and strategic partnership with Southeast Asia. Under the Act East policy, India seeks to enhance connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties with Southeast Asian countries, as well as strengthen cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and defense. India has prioritized infrastructure projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, to improve connectivity and trade links with Southeast Asia.

6. Strategic partnerships: India has forged strategic partnerships with key Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, based on shared interests in maritime security, defense cooperation, and economic integration. India has also sought to deepen its engagement with ASEAN through platforms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN-India Summit, as well as through initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA).

In conclusion, India's relations with Southeast Asia have evolved over time from ancient cultural and commercial ties to modern strategic partnerships based on mutual interests and shared values. Through historical, cultural, economic, and diplomatic linkages, India and Southeast Asia have built a relationship characterized by cooperation, solidarity, and mutual respect, contributing to regional stability, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.