How Modi’s visit to China can reshape Asia’s future

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, the world is watching closely. Modi’s visit will be a historic opportunity to usher in a new era of cooperation between two ancient civilisations whose populations account for just under 35 per cent of humanity, representing the world’s second- and soon-to-be third-largest economies. During Modi’s recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both seemed to agree that India and China are partners, not rivals, and that the Asian century can’t happen without bilateral cooperation. The history between China and India runs deep, from ancient trade relations during the Kushan empire and Han dynasty to cultural exchanges such as the spread of Buddhism and the travels of Chinese monk Xuanzang. The two civilisations have long been engaged in dialogue, and the exchange of ideas, trade and philosophy has only enriched both societies. The 1955 Bandung Conference was an example of one such exchange in the diplomatic realm. This year marks the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. India was the first non-socialist bloc country recognised by the People’s Republic of China in 1950. Now, more than ever, it’s time to build on that legacy. Both countries face shared development challenges to ensure prosperity for their people. India is the fastest-growing major economy. The country is also home to the world’s largest youth population, as well as a rapidly growing innovation system and an expanding consumer base. Through China’s public policies, it brings expertise in infrastructure, manufacturing, digital governance and renewable energy. If the two powers work together, the possibilities are enormous. China can play a constructive role in investing in India’s next phase of growth. Importantly, India already serves as the largest recipient of funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). By working within the AIIB framework, China and India can boost investment in key areas such as infrastructure, smart cities, clean energy, public health and sustainable agriculture. With the combined power of 2.8 billion people, there’s so much we can accomplish, from digital connectivity to climate action This is not a matter of one side “helping” the other, but of both nations leveraging complementary strengths. Together, the world’s two most populous countries can become a cornerstone of stability and prosperity for Asia. Just as importantly, closer ties between China and India could provide the bedrock for more democratic global governance. Both nations are central to Brics, the Group of 20, and the SCO. Through their vital roles in these organisations, they can advocate for reforms that empower developing countries and resist unilateral actions that destabilise global markets and institutions. In a world of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the need for such cooperation has never been more important. The unpredictability of US foreign policy is a case in point. India’s earlier purchases of Russian oil at capped prices were once encouraged by Washington to avoid a global spike in energy costs. However, India is now facing new American tariffs for making those purchases. Fortunately, China and India don’t have to go it alone. Asia, adjusted for purchasing power parity, already represents more than two-fifths of the global economy. If India joins the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, effectively linking up with a broader economic coalition, regional integration and development would happen faster than people can imagine. India can take this step on its own terms with the support of China. Turbulence in the world system and disrupted global trade provide a stronger case for India’s membership. This is how the spirit of the Bandung Conference can be appreciated in today’s context. In 1955, leaders from Asia and Africa came together in Bandung, Indonesia, to assert a vision of cooperation rooted in mutual respect, non-alignment and peaceful development. Out of that conference came the Non-Aligned Movement. Reviving the ethos of Bandung requires not only setting shared goals but also wisely managing present challenges. Unfortunately, the China-India border dispute has tested bilateral trust in recent years. It is worth remembering that, after the 1960s, tensions had not escalated for half a century before the Galwan Valley border clash. Coexistence was the norm. To embrace this spirit again would be to honour Bandung’s legacy while allowing both sides to focus on the promise of partnership. India and China agree that differences should not escalate into disputes. If peace can hold for 50 years, it can do so again. As Wang noted during his visit to New Delhi, both sides seek to enhance cooperation on global challenges and oppose unilateral bullying. They have made progress in establishing a new consensus on how to manage the border and resolve disputes. These are important steps. But they must be matched by vision. Modi’s visit presents a good opportunity for the two sides to issue a joint communique or a cooperation road map. Such a framework could identify practical areas for cross-border collaboration. There is much room for progress in areas such as tourism, academic programmes, investment deals, infrastructure development, the green transition, environmental protection and coordinated technology governance on digital spaces and artificial intelligence. That vision – one focused on a shared agenda of green development, multilateralism and peace – could take shape when Modi meets President Xi Jinping again this year. China and India are not only heirs to ancient wisdom but custodians of future possibility. The dragon and the elephant working together can create prosperity for Asia for decades to come through a partnership worthy of two great civilisations and, indeed, the world.

How Modi’s visit to China can reshape Asia’s future

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}To build on their new-found consensus, both powers must not only set shared goals but also wisely manage challenges

To build on their new-found consensus, both powers must not only set shared goals but also wisely manage challenges