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| Diplomats and policy experts from India and China participate in the Fourth India-China Think Tank Forum in Beijing, focusing on long-term stability, mutual trust, and cooperation between the two countries. |
Beijing
— China’s Deputy Foreign Minister has called on India and China to move beyond
merely managing their differences and instead work toward breaking what he
described as a “bizarre cycle” of fluctuations in bilateral relations. Speaking
at the Fourth India–China Think Tank Forum
in Beijing, senior Chinese diplomat Luo emphasized that sustained cooperation
between the two Asian giants is essential not only for their own development
but also for shaping the global order in the 21st century.
According to a statement released by China’sMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Luo said the simultaneous
rise of India and China represents one of the most significant historical
developments of the modern era, carrying implications far beyond Asia.
He urged both sides to strengthen mutual trust, explore new areas of
cooperation, and identify pathways that allow two large developing countries to
grow peacefully alongside one another.
Luo’s remarks come amid a complex phase in
India–China relations, which have experienced periods of engagement followed by
sharp downturns in recent years. Referring to this pattern, Luo argued that efforts limited to “controlling differences” are
no longer sufficient, and that a deeper, more forward-looking approach
is needed to ensure stability.
“India and China should break through the
bizarre cycle of ups and downs in bilateral relations,” Luo said, according to
the official statement. He added that the two sides should focus on building strategic trust, expanding cooperation,
and creating durable mechanisms to manage disputes without allowing
them to dominate the relationship.
His comments reflect a broader diplomatic push
from Beijing to stabilize ties with New Delhi, even as unresolved border issues
and geopolitical competition continue to cast a shadow over the relationship.
With a combined population of nearly three
billion and two of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India and China
occupy a central position in global affairs. Diplomats and analysts widely
agree that the trajectory of relations between the two countries will
significantly influence regional
stability, economic growth, and global governance.
Luo underscored this point by describing the
parallel rise of India and China as “the most important historical event of the
21st century.” He argued that cooperation between the two nations could serve
as a model for peaceful development among emerging powers, while persistent
rivalry could have destabilizing consequences.
For both countries, the challenge lies in
balancing competition with cooperation,
particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, climate
change, and regional security.
The Fourth India–China Think Tank Forum, held
in Beijing on Saturday, brought together diplomats, scholars, and policy
experts from both sides to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral engagement. The
forum was jointly organized by the Indian
Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), two prominent
institutions that play a key role in shaping policy discourse in their
respective countries.
The think tank dialogue mechanism was
originally established during Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May 2015, a period marked
by optimism about closer India–China cooperation. At that time, leaders from
both countries agreed on the importance of maintaining multi-dimensional
relations to help realize what they described as the “Asian century.”
While relations have since faced setbacks, the
continuation of the forum signals a shared recognition of the value of sustained
dialogue, even during periods of political strain.
According to participants, discussions at the
forum covered a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional security, global governance, and
economic cooperation. Diplomats from both sides reportedly expressed
consensus on the need for closer coordination on issues that affect not only
India and China but also the broader international community.
A joint statement issued under the theme of India–China relations in the Asian century
noted that the discussions were conducted in a spirit of openness and mutual
respect. The statement emphasized that such exchanges help reduce
misunderstandings and build a foundation for practical cooperation.
Among the key topics discussed were
opportunities for joint development
initiatives, regional connectivity, and ways to enhance
people-to-people exchanges.
One of the central themes of the forum was the
idea of forging closer development
partnerships between India and China. Both countries face similar
challenges, including poverty alleviation, sustainable urbanization, energy
security, and climate resilience.
Participants noted that cooperation in these
areas could yield mutual benefits while contributing to broader regional
development. As two major developing economies, India and China also share an
interest in reforming global institutions to better reflect the realities of
the contemporary world.
However, experts cautioned that translating
such ideas into concrete outcomes will require political will, sustained engagement, and trust-building measures,
particularly in sensitive areas where interests diverge.
Despite calls for cooperation, longstanding
disputes — particularly along the disputed border — continue to complicate
relations. While these issues were not the central focus of the forum, analysts
say they remain a critical factor shaping the broader relationship.
Luo’s call to move “beyond ways to control
differences” was interpreted by observers as an appeal to prevent disputes from overshadowing the entire
relationship. Instead, he suggested, India and China should pursue
parallel tracks: responsibly managing disagreements while expanding cooperation
in less contentious areas.
Indian officials attending the forum echoed
the view that dialogue remains essential, especially at a time when
geopolitical uncertainties are increasing globally.
The state of India–China relations has
implications far beyond bilateral ties. Both countries play influential roles
in regional organizations and multilateral forums, and their cooperation — or
lack thereof — can shape outcomes on issues ranging from trade to climate
negotiations.
Diplomats at the forum reportedly agreed that
closer India–China coordination on regional
and international issues could help address shared challenges,
particularly in Asia, where economic growth and security dynamics are closely
intertwined.
At the same time, analysts note that
competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific and differing strategic
alignments continue to test the relationship.
The joint statement issued after the forum
highlighted the importance of regular
exchanges between think tanks and policy communities as a means of
building trust. Such platforms, participants said, allow both sides to explore
ideas more freely than in formal diplomatic settings.
The statement noted that the discussions
contributed to greater mutual
understanding and helped identify areas where cooperation is feasible
despite broader challenges.
Observers say the continuation of these
dialogues reflects a recognition on both sides that complete disengagement would be counterproductive, given
the scale and significance of the relationship.
While Luo’s remarks and the outcomes of the
forum suggest a desire to stabilize relations, experts caution that meaningful
progress will depend on actions as much as rhetoric. Rebuilding trust after
years of tension is likely to be a gradual process, requiring consistent
engagement and confidence-building steps.
Nevertheless, the emphasis on peaceful
coexistence and shared growth offers a glimpse of how India and China might
recalibrate their relationship in the years ahead.
The Fourth India–China Think Tank Forum has
reaffirmed the importance of dialogue at a time when bilateral relations remain
complex and fragile. China’s call to break the cycle of fluctuating ties and
move toward a more stable, forward-looking partnership reflects an
acknowledgment of the strategic importance of the relationship.
As the world’s two most populous nations and
major developing economies, India and China face a defining choice: allow
differences to dominate their interactions, or work toward a framework that
enables peaceful coexistence and shared development. The discussions in Beijing
suggest that, at least at the level of dialogue, both sides recognize the
stakes involved.
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