Context

• The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India provides an opportunity to reflect on the history, challenges, and future prospects of this crucial bilateral relationship.
• Over the decades, despite ups and downs, China and India have maintained engagement, often guided by strong leadership, economic and cultural exchanges, dialogue to resolve differences, and their shared responsibility in global governance.
• On this day, it is crucial to analyse key aspects and propose a forward-looking perspective on strengthening bilateral ties.

 The Role of Leadership in Shaping China-India Relations

• Leadership has played a decisive role in steering China-India relations through historical and geopolitical complexities.
• From the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950 by Chairman Mao Zedong and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in 1988.
• It marked a shift towards normalisation, leaders of both nations have consistently shaped the trajectory of bilateral engagement.
• More recently, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sought to redefine relations through informal summits and strategic engagements.
• Their meeting in Kazan last year symbolised a commitment to renewed cooperation.
• The ability of leadership to navigate difficult phases, including military tensions and economic disputes, underscores the critical role of high-level diplomacy in stabilizing the relationship.

Cultural and Economic Exchanges: A Pillar of Cooperation

• Beyond political engagement, cultural and economic exchanges have formed the foundation of China-India relations.
• Historically, cultural ties have been strong, as exemplified by Buddhist exchanges such as Master Xuanzang’s journey to India and Bodhidharma’s influence on Zen Buddhism in China.
• In the modern era, figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Dr. Kotnis have symbolised enduring friendship.
• Economically, trade has grown significantly, from under $3 billion in 2000 to $138.5 billion in 2024, reflecting deep economic interdependence.
• Cultural soft power, including Bollywood’s popularity in China and the spread of Yoga, has further strengthened people-to-people connections.
• The resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and diplomatic exchanges indicate strong bilateral engagement.
• However, economic cooperation remains asymmetrical, with China enjoying a large trade surplus over India, leading to calls for greater balance.

Key to Managing Differences and China and India’s Shared Global Responsibilities

• Key to Managing Differences
  • As two neighbouring giants, China and India have experienced border disputes and strategic differences, yet both have traditionally preferred dialogue over confrontation.
  • This is evident in the establishment of communication channels such as the Special Representative Mechanism on the China-India Boundary Question and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination.
  • While border tensions, including recent clashes in Ladakh, remain a challenge, diplomatic efforts have ensured that disputes do not escalate into prolonged conflicts.
  • The principle of not allowing specific differences to overshadow broader cooperation is crucial in maintaining stability.
  • The recent dialogue on border issues and agreements on de-escalation reaffirm both nations’ commitment to peaceful conflict
• China and India’s Shared Global Responsibilities
  • Beyond bilateral relations, China and India share a responsibility in shaping global governance.
  • Historically, both countries played a crucial role in promoting the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and advancing the interests of developing nations.
  • Today, as members of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the G-20, they continue to advocate for a more balanced global order.
  • With escalating geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties worldwide, China and India’s cooperation is vital in supporting multilateralism, addressing climate change, and ensuring the stability of the Global South.
  • As President Xi stated, when China and India collaborate, the world listens. Strengthening coordination in international forums can enhance their collective influence.

Future Directions for China-India Relations

• Building a Stable and Healthy Relationship
  • Both sides should uphold mutual respect and prevent the boundary dispute from defining their entire relationship.
  • A long-term strategic vision that prioritizes peace and stability is essential.
• Enhancing Economic and Developmental Cooperation
  • With China focusing on high-quality development and India on its "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision, aligning development strategies and promoting fair trade can enhance economic synergy.
  • Resuming full-scale trade, investment, and technology collaboration will be mutually beneficial.
• Strengthening Global Collaboration
  • As key voices of the Global South, China and India must work together in international organisations to promote an equitable world order.
  • Their cooperation within the SCO, BRICS, and other platforms can drive a new era of global stability.

Conclusion

• Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of China and India working together in friendship and brotherhood, the future of bilateral relations depends on both nations’ ability to navigate differences while maximizing cooperation.
• With 2.8 billion people aspiring for economic growth and modernization, China and India have a historic opportunity to lead Asia’s resurgence.
• By deepening engagement across political, economic, and cultural dimensions, they can contribute to a more prosperous and stable world.