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China, India have the potential to redefine the global narrative for emerging economies
By Global TimesPublished: Mar 31, 2025 08:09 PM
Illustration: Xia Qing/GT
Editor's Note:
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic ties. Over the past few decades, the two ancient Asian civilizations, each with modern global visions, have navigated a complex relationship. How can the two powers overcome differences to find a way to work together? How will China-India cooperation contribute to Global South development? The Global Times invites two Chinese and two Indian experts to share their views.
Long Xingchun, professor of the School of International Relations, Sichuan International Studies University and president of Chengdu Institute of World Affairs
China-India relations, now in their 75th year, are currently experiencing a period of warming. At this pivotal moment, both sides should seize the opportunity to strengthen their relationship.
On the global stage, as the two largest emerging economies, China and India face the important task of balancing competition and cooperation in regional security and international affairs. The potential for cooperation between the two countries is much larger than the areas of competition. On major issues such as global governance system reform and adjustments to the international financial framework, the common ground between China and India far exceeds that among Western countries.
As leaders of the Global South, China and India are driving a historic shift in the balance of international power. In this process, if the two countries join forces, they will not only better safeguard the overall interests of developing nations but also create a more favorable external environment for their own development.
The immediate priority for both countries is to effectively manage their differences, particularly regarding the border issue. As the two largest developing countries in the world, their primary focus should be on development. A healthy and stable China-India relationship will undoubtedly provide strong momentum for the growth of both nations.
Regardless of any differences between the two governments, they should address issues on a case-by-case basis and avoid emotional reactions that could exacerbate public opposition.
As two ancient civilizations, China and India share a history of friendly exchanges that spans thousands of years. Contemporary people have no reason to sever these bonds due to temporary disagreements. Both governments should facilitate people-to-people exchanges, rather than impose barriers. Only when the hearts of the people are united can a solid foundation be built for China-India relations.
Liu Zongyi, director of the Center for South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Currently, India is sending positive signals to ease tensions. However, whether these positive remarks can be transformed into substantial progress depends largely on India's subsequent actions.
Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made some relatively positive remarks during an interview, stating that there is "healthy and natural" competition between China and India. However, I believe the key lies in how this "healthy and natural" competition is defined.
For a long time, India has adopted a suspicious attitude toward China's normal cooperative activities in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, even resorting to disruptive methods to interfere with China's cooperation projects with regional countries. Such behavior may contradict the notion of "healthy" competition.
Looking to the future, we remain cautiously optimistic about China-India relations. We hope to translate the consensus reached by the leaders into concrete actions. The improvement of bilateral relations requires both sides to move toward each other. Measures such as restoring direct flights and relaxing visa restrictions should not be politicized. They should be seen as necessary steps to enhance mutual understanding.
As two of Asia's ancient civilizations and emerging economies, the healthy development of China-India relations not only concerns the welfare of people in both countries but also profoundly affects peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.
We hope that China and India can jointly explore a new path for emerging powers to coexist and set an example of cooperation and win-win development for the Global South. After all, in the face of global challenges, such as climate change and sustainable development, cooperation is the only wise choice.
B. R. Deepak, professor of Chinese and China studies at the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Over the past 75 years, China-India relations have undergone cooperation, conflict, equilibrium and cautious engagement. The end of the Cold War and the onset of globalization facilitated a new equilibrium and understanding between India and China. Both countries prioritized economic development and shared a desire for a stable security environment in the region.
Recently, Prime Minister Modi's call for India and China to compete in a "healthy and natural" way reflects a pragmatic recognition of their shared interests as well as their inevitable rivalry. Both nations understand that unchecked rivalry could destabilize the region and undermine their economic and developmental aspirations and ultimately derail the respective national rejuvenation. Therefore, maintaining diplomatic and military communication channels, continuing confidence-building measures along the border, and fostering cooperation in global forums such as BRICS, SCO and G20 should remain a priority.
As the influence of Western narratives declines, China and India - two of the largest and most influential developing countries - have a unique opportunity to jointly shape the future of the Global South.
To do so effectively, they should focus on three key areas: First, strengthen multilateral cooperation by revitalizing institutions such as BRICS and SCO, promoting fairer global governance, and advocating financial reforms. Second, promoting South-South cooperation through joint efforts in infrastructure, digital connectivity, health, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of African, Latin American, and Asian countries. Third, setting norms on global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, food security and technology governance. Together, China and India can advocate for balanced, equitable solutions that prioritize the developmental needs of the Global South while resisting protectionist or unilateral policies from developed nations. By presenting a united, credible and inclusive leadership model, China and India have the potential to redefine the global narrative for emerging economies.
Mohammed Saqib, founder and secretary general of India China Economic & Cultural Council
The China-India relationship is complex and multifaceted. Over the past 75 years, these two ancient civilizations and Asian giants have experienced cooperation, competition and conflict, influenced by their historical ties, geopolitical aspirations and evolving global dynamics. As the world's most populous countries and two of the fastest-growing economies, they play an essential role in shaping the future of global politics and economics.
India and China share centuries of cultural and economic exchanges, from the ancient Silk Road to the spread of Buddhism from India to China. However, the modern-day relationship began in 1947, when India gained independence. Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1950, with India being one of the first nations to recognize the People's Republic of China. In the early years, India and China enjoyed a friendly relationship, encapsulated by the slogan "Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai", which means "India and China are brothers."
Unfortunately, this goodwill did not last long. The unresolved border dispute resulted in the 1962 China-India border war, leaving a legacy of mistrust. The border issue remains a major hurdle in bilateral relations even today, sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures are essential to prevent further escalation.
The China-India relationship has been characterized by both economic cooperation and strategic competition in recent years. Future China-India relations will be interdependent. The Global South looks to both nations, which face shared global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and economic instability; their cooperation is essential for the region. In the coming decades, the world will closely observe how these two Asian giants manage their complex relationship, balancing their national interests with the need for regional stability. The stakes are high, as their ability to coexist as both competitors and collaborators will significantly influence their futures and help define the Asian century.
