Set up as a model for future regional offices, it was inaugurated by Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. Over time, the office expanded its reach and evolved its name, transitioning from the ICA Regional Office for South-East Asia to the International Cooperative Alliance - Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) in 1990.
With its headquarters in New Delhi and branch offices in Singapore (1999 to 2012) and Malaysia (2013 onwards), the ICA-AP has grown substantially since its inception. Starting with 7 members from 6 countries, it now boasts a membership of 108 organizations from 29 countries (March 2024).