The correct option is (b).
Explanation
India actively engages with various regional organizations in the Indo-Pacific region under its "Act East" policy. However, the nature of this engagement varies between full membership, dialogue partnership, and observer status depending on the organization's charter and membership criteria.
- 1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Incorrect. India is not a member of APEC. While India has requested membership and received support from major economies, APEC has maintained a long-standing moratorium on new memberships. APEC currently consists of 21 member economies bordering the Pacific Ocean.
- 2. Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN): Incorrect. India is not a full member of ASEAN. The organization consists exclusively of ten Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. India holds the status of a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (since 1992), Full Dialogue Partner (since 1996), and Summit Level Partner (since 2002).
- 3. East Asia Summit (EAS): Correct. India is a founding member of the East Asia Summit. The EAS is a premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific region. Its membership comprises the 10 ASEAN Member States plus 8 Dialogue Partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Key Takeaway: India is a full member of the East Asia Summit (EAS) but is only a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and is not a member of APEC.