Much has changed in the Indo-Pacific region since the inception of APEC in 1989. India’s liberalisation process started in the early 1990s, and it has since become not only one of the leading economic powers in the Indo-Pacific but also the world. However, India is still not a member of APEC, despite compelling arguments for its inclusion in the forum. Indeed, many significant APEC members, including China, Japan, Russia and the United States, have all supported India’s interest in joining.1 In addition, Australia has extended bipartisan support for India’s bid to join the forum.