August 27, 2025

Back in October 1962, while the world’s eyes were glued to the Cuban missile crisis, China and India fought a fierce month-long battle over their Himalayan border. The massive standoff between the US and the Soviet Union stole the spotlight, and the Sino-Indian war became a quiet footnote. Now, six decades later, the global spotlight is again on big power relations—this time between Washington and Moscow over Ukraine—but don’t miss the quiet but crucial story unfolding between Beijing and New Delhi. Why? Because unlike 1962, both China and India are huge players today. Together, they make up nearly 40% of the world’s population and are the second and soon-to-be third largest economies on the planet. What happens between them truly matters. This month, a headline-grabbing moment arrives as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in China. It’s Modi’s first visit since 2018, signaling a fresh start after fierce border clashes in 2020—the worst in 40 years. Their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit isn’t just a photo op. It shows they both want to keep their independence in foreign policy, avoid being seen as anti-Western, and aim for global leadership, especially among developing countries. They want a fairer world order where power isn’t just in the West’s hands. Interestingly, India was once a bit hesitant about the SCO, but recent cooling ties with the US have made New Delhi see the SCO as a useful playground. Watch closely for a possible comeback of the Russia-India-China (RIC) group during the summit—a trio that once loudly challenged Western dominance in the 1990s. This could mean China, India, and Russia joining forces not just in words but in actions, including new trade methods bypassing Western financial systems. It’s not all rosy though. Deep mistrust remains, especially over unresolved border disputes, Tibet issues, water sharing, and China’s close ties with Pakistan. Both nations also compete for influence in South Asia—with China investing heavily in neighboring countries and India facing challenges in regional unity. Still, there’s a new breeze of hope. Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India led to talks about peacefully settling border issues, easing visa rules, and restarting direct flights. Behind this thaw is a shared challenge—both nations face rocky relations with the US. Washington’s actions, like cozying up to Pakistan and slapping tariffs on India, have soured ties. Though Indians in the US and strong tech and defense links remain, the idea of a special India-US bond is fading. Economics also drives the Sino-Indian dance. India can’t become a manufacturing giant without Chinese materials, and despite efforts, India’s manufacturing share lags far behind China’s. This reality dims Western hopes that India will simply replace China as a trade hub. With tensions easing, Chinese and Indian companies are exploring new business ventures in tech and more. As the US’s global influence slowly fades and a multipolar world rises, the way China and India come together—or stay apart—will shape the future. At the very least, the West should rethink its belief that India will be a strong counterweight to China. Modi’s visit and the growing Sino-Indian collaboration suggest a new chapter, one that might rewrite global rivalries forever.

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Tags: Sino-indian relations, Xi jinping, Narendra modi, Sco summit, India-china border, Geopolitics,