China-India relations at 75: Rising together to reshape the global order

By Abhishek G Bhaya

On April 1, 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this relationship, though records of trade and cultural ties between these two ancient civilizations date back to the second century B.C.

This historical connection is rooted in mutual understanding and shared aspirations for sovereignty and development despite ups and downs in bilateral relations in the recent decades. The fundamental question now is, can the two civilizational states find a way to collaborate for mutual benefit and the greater good of the developing world?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed this question in an interview with American podcaster and MIT research scientist Lex Fridman, saying, "For centuries, India and China have learned from each other. Together, they have always contributed to the global good in some way."

Modi also underscored that differences are natural between neighboring countries but should never escalate into disputes: "Even within a family, not everything is always perfect. But our focus is to ensure that these differences don't turn into disputes."

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, October 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Kazan meeting: Resetting ties

After years of frozen ties following border clashes in 2020, there was a breakthrough in 2024 when Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

Xi underscored the importance of cooperation over competition, urging both nations to promote a multipolar world and unity among developing countries of the Global South: "It is in the fundamental interest of our two countries and two peoples to keep to the trend of history and the right direction of bilateral relations."

Modi echoed the sentiment, underscoring the need to restore trust and enhance communication channels. He also emphasized the importance of high-level engagements to reset bilateral relations.

The Kazan meeting paved the way for further diplomatic interactions and a potential reset in bilateral ties.

Beyond the boundary issue

During China's Two Sessions in March, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the international media, "a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides... We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question." This underscored the need for harmony and coordination, reinforcing that China and India are stronger as partners than as rivals.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in his recent public exchanges, has also acknowledged that while challenges between India and China will persist in the "foreseeable future," they can be managed without getting into a conflict. He also stressed the need to separate bilateral ties from past border tensions and emphasized the scope for cooperation.

This is a pragmatic approach as any prolonged hostility along the border serves neither country's long-term interests. A functional and cooperative China-India relationship is essential not only for regional stability but also for global economic and political equilibrium.

Trump and Global South realignment

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has added new complexities to international relations. The Trump 2.0 administration's emphasis on "reciprocal" tariffs – which will affect both China and India – and a recalibrated approach to global conflicts, including a U-turn on the Ukraine-Russia issue, have prompted nations to reassess their strategic alignments.

As key players in the Global South, both China and India have an opportunity to collaborate more closely in shaping a multipolar world order. Many nations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America look to the two leading emerging economies to serve as strong pillars and advocates for the broader Global South.

China and India continue to work together on multiple international platforms, including the UN, Word Trade Organization, BRICS, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These collaborations highlight a shared commitment to reforming global governance, ensuring a more equitable international financial order and advocating for the interests of the Global South.

A notable example was India's push for the African Union to gain permanent membership in the G20 at the 2023 summit of the bloc in New Delhi, which China supported – highlighting shared interests in strengthening the voice of developing nations.

Both India and China advocate restructuring global financial institutions to better reflect emerging economies. The BRICS-led New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank exemplify their shared vision for an alternative financial framework supporting Global South projects.

By enhancing coordination in G20 and other financial forums, they can advance initiatives such as debt relief, fairer trade policies and inclusive economic growth.

Climate change, energy and food security

As the world's two most populous nations and fastest-growing economies, China and India have a significant stake in addressing climate change. Both have ambitious renewable energy goals and are among the largest investors in solar and wind power.

Strengthening collaboration in green technology transfers, joint research on energy-efficient innovations and coordinated climate policies at international forums can position them as global leaders in sustainable development.

Furthermore, as major consumers of fossil fuels, a joint approach to energy security – such as cooperating on strategic oil reserves and renewable energy grids – could enhance economic resilience.

With over a third of the world's population residing in China and India, food security remains a crucial concern too. The two nations can enhance cooperation in agricultural research, climate-resistant crop development and sustainable farming techniques.

For instance, India's Gangetic Plains – despite being one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions in the world – are highly prone to floods, which cause widespread destruction almost every year. India can draw inspiration from China's successful flood management strategies, such as the Three Gorges Dam, sponge city projects and river engineering techniques developed over centuries.

Asian Century: Reclaiming historical prominence

The two ancient civilizations and emerging economic giants are reclaiming their historical prominence and reshaping the global order. Historically, the two accounted for more than 50 percent of global GDP, though their influence waned during the colonial era.

Today, both are experiencing rapid growth, with China as the world's largest economy by purchasing power parity and India ranking third. Projections suggest that by 2075, China and India will be the world's top two economies. This resurgence is not only economic but also psychological, as both countries shed colonial-era narratives.

Despite Western narratives framing India and China as rivals, historical and economic realities suggest that collaboration, rather than competition, is the key to maximizing their potential.

Ultimately, the rise of India and China is not a zero-sum game but an opportunity for both countries to shape the future of Asia and beyond. As the two most populous nations, they carry immense responsibilities and possibilities. If they choose collaboration over conflict, their combined influence could redefine global economic and political landscapes, turning the much-anticipated "Asian Century" into reality.

Abhishek G Bhaya, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a senior Indian journalist and international affairs commentator.