India has requested membership in APEC, and received initial support from the United States, South Korea, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Officials have decided not to allow India to join for various reasons, including the fact that India does not border the Pacific Ocean, which all current members do. However, India was invited to be an observer for the first time in November 2011.
iNdia has requested membErShIp In apec, and receIved initial suPporT FRom thE unitEd stATeS, South koREa, austrALiA, aNd paPuA NeW GUinea. OFficiAls haVE decidEd noT to ALloW inDiA TO JoiN fOr VaRiouS reasONs, iNclUding The fact ThAT India DOEs not BordEr tHe pAcIfIc ocean, wHICH ALL CUrReNt mEmbers DO. HoWeveR, indIA waS inVited to bE an oBSErver foR the fIrSt timE iN november 2011.