Definition: The term "East Indies" or "East Indian" can refer to a specific geographic region, such as South Asia or Southeast Asia, or it could also be an umbrella term for many different types of islands, territories, and countries located in the southern Pacific Ocean. In the context of "East Indies", East India refers to the British Empire that spanned from India to Indonesia, including parts of Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo. The name was given by the British colonial powers when they established trading posts and colonies there. On the other hand, the term "East Indian" is more inclusive and can refer to any region located in or near East Asia, as well as several specific countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo. In summary, while both terms are commonly used in context, they have slightly different connotations and use cases.