India got a tough group featuring Australia and South Korea -- two sides who have qualified for 2010 World Cup from Asia -- and Bahrain, who just missed out the showpiece event in South Africa via a play-off against New Zealand.
Australia are Asia’s highest FIFA ranked side at 19th while South Korea are third highest at 49th besides finishing third in the earlier edition in 2007.
Bahrain are ranked 67th in the world. India were the lowest FIFA ranked side among the 16 teams at 132nd.
Hosts Qatar, who have seeded first, were clubbed in Group A with Kuwait, China and Uzbekistan while defending champions Iraq were placed in Group D along with North Korea, Iran and United Arab Emirates.
Last edition runners-up Saudi Arabia got the company of Japan, Jordan and Syria.
India were seeded 15th ahead of North Korea in the draw ceremony at Aspire Dome in Doha. They were placed in Pot Four along with Syria, Kuwait and North Korea.
Asian Football Confederation General Secretary and competition director Zhang Jilong of China conducted the draw of lots.
The schedule for the January 7-29, 2011 tournament will be announced on April 26.
The draw: Group A: Qatar, Kuwait, China, Uzbekistan. Group B: Saudi Arabia, Japan, Jordan, Syria. Group C: South Korea, India, Australia, Bahrain. Group D: Iraq, North Korea, United Arab Emirates, Iran.
Published 23 April 2010, 19:17 IST