The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a 21-member intergovernmental forum established in 1989 to promote open trade, investment, and regional economic cooperation among Pacific Rim economies. Representing nearly 50% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population, APEC plays a key role in shaping global economic policy. Although India is not a member, it has actively pursued observer or membership status due to its growing economic influence and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum that aims to foster free and open trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific region. The grouping consists of 21 member economies that together account for over half of global GDP and around 2.7 billion people.
Major members include the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Canada, and several Southeast Asian economies.
• Promote sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
• Enhance trade facilitation, innovation, and digital connectivity.
• Strengthen resilient supply chains and inclusive development.
• Encourage policy dialogue and voluntary cooperation instead of binding commitments.
The 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, is expected to focus on artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and digital transformation. Leaders will discuss strategies to tackle challenges such as climate change, supply chain security, and inclusive post-pandemic recovery.
Another key agenda item is the revival of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) initiative, which seeks to deepen trade integration amid rising U.S.–China trade tensions and shifts in global trade dynamics.
Despite its growing strategic and economic importance, India’s application to join APEC has not yet been accepted. The reasons include:
• India’s historically protectionist trade policies.
• Limited Pacific coastline compared to other APEC economies.
• APEC’s traditional focus on economies directly bordering the Pacific Ocean.
However, several influential members such as the United States, Japan, and Australia have expressed support for India’s eventual inclusion, recognizing its vital role in the Indo-Pacific and its fast-growing economy.
India has participated in several APEC meetings as a special invitee and aligns closely with many of APEC’s core priorities, including digital transformation, renewable energy, and skill development.
Through its involvement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and strong partnerships with ASEAN nations, India already collaborates with a majority of APEC members on economic, technological, and strategic initiatives.
APEC membership would enable India to diversify trade partnerships, expand global supply chains, and deepen integration with East Asian economies. It would also reinforce the objectives of India’s “Act East Policy” and strengthen its influence within the broader Indo-Pacific architecture.
Moreover, APEC serves as a vital platform for India to enhance bilateral engagement with key economies such as the United States, China, Japan, and ASEAN members, promoting a balanced and cooperative regional order.
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