India and China: A Delicate Dance of Rivalry and Cooperation

Strategic Rivals: India and China's Parallel Ambitions

   

India and China are two ancient civilizations with a history that goes back millennia. They now find themselves in a modern rivalry shaped by ideology, geopolitics, and ambition. While both nations have significantly expanded their global influence, their relationship remains defined more by competition than cooperation.

Ideological Divide: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism

At the core of the Sino-Indian rivalry is an ideological divide. India, the world’s largest democracy, prides itself on its pluralistic political system, public discourse, and institutional checks and balances. While imperfect, India’s democratic institutions encourage compromise and public participation.

China, on the other hand, operates under a one-party authoritarian regime founded on communist ideology. The Chinese Communist Party maintains legitimacy through economic success and global influence rather than popular consensus. Its governance model prioritizes efficiency and strategic control over democratic participation.

These contrasting political identities shape their foreign policy approaches. India leans toward multilateralism and diplomacy and seeks to avoid military confrontation. China, in contrast, pursues an assertive, goal-oriented diplomacy, using international relations as a tool to advance its strategic interests.

Diverging Foreign Policy Objectives

China’s foreign policy is driven by expansionist ambitions. Its territorial claims in the Himalayas, particularly in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, are based on historical narratives such as Mao Zedong’s “five fingers of Tibet” analogy. The 1951 annexation of Tibet and continued influence in the region remain major sources of tension.

Beyond the Himalayas, China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea together with its stated goal of annexing Taiwan reflect a broader pattern of uncompromising diplomacy. Artificial islands, military installations, and disregard for international rulings have drawn global criticism. India watches these developments with growing unease. Its attempts at diplomatic dialogue have found little success in resolving core disputes. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in casualties on both sides, marked a sharp escalation and underscored the volatility of their border tensions.

   

    

Stabilizing Forces: Shared Goals and Global Platforms

Despite tensions, some shared priorities offer opportunities for cooperation. Both nations pursue poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. At the 2024 G20 summit in Brazil, leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to these goals.

Within BRICS and through institutions like the New Development Bank, India and China have collaborated on development initiatives. Environmental stewardship is another area of convergence, with both countries participating in global frameworks to address climate change.

Geopolitically, both support a multipolar world order and have expressed dissatisfaction with Western dominance. Their 2006 Joint Declaration emphasized their role as “major countries in the emerging multi-polar global order.” They also share interest in reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for greater representation of developing nations. However, China has stopped short of endorsing India’s bid for a permanent seat.

Economic Ties: Integration Without Trust

Economic interdependence has not translated into diplomatic stability. India faces a trade deficit with China nearing $100 billion, raising concerns about economic dependence. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while embraced by many nations, is viewed by India as a strategic tool for expanding Chinese influence.

The Path Forward: Pragmatism Over Idealism

To manage this complex relationship, both nations must recalibrate their strategies. China could benefit from revisiting Deng Xiaoping’s pragmatic foreign policy of the 1980s, which emphasized stability and cooperation. De-escalating border tensions and adopting a more collaborative approach in contested regions would help build trust.

India, meanwhile, should pursue realistic engagement. Recognizing that structural differences are unlikely to be resolved under China’s current leadership, India must assert its interests confidently while maintaining a non-violent posture. Strengthening ties with Himalayan neighbors and deepening partnerships with other democracies could help counterbalance Chinese influence.

India must also accept that China will prioritize its core interests over shared values. When foreign policy agendas collide, China is unlikely to compromise.

Conclusion: Cooperation Amidst Rivalry

India and China have in common a large population, rapid economic growth, regional power status, and a vision for a multipolar world. Yet these commonalities have not been enough to overcome their entrenched differences. Ideological divides, territorial disputes, and conflicting foreign policy goals continue to prevent a meaningful strategic partnership. Diplomatic gestures and shared aspirations may keep the dialogue alive, but the underlying rivalry remains firmly in place.

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Strategic Rivals: India and China’s Parallel Ambitions - Diplomatist