Introduction : India's idea of the east -- Waves of history : ancient to pre-independence era -- The Nehru wave (1927-1964) : hopes belied -- After Nehru: did India get distanced? -- Look East policy (1991-2014) -- Act East policy (2014-): how different, how successful? -- Prospects : challenges of deeper and wider engagement -- Annexure A: Exchange of visits -- Annexure B: India's trade with ASEAN and its dialogue partners -- Annexure C: India's exports to ASEAN -- Annexure D: India's imports to ASEAN -- Annexure E: FDI inflows and outflows between ASEAN and India -- Annexure F: Military exercises