India and China are two ancient civilisations with a long history of engagements. They are the two most rapidly emerging powers of the world and are both undergoing economic transformations on an exceptional scale and speed. The relations between India and China have often been marked by cooperation, conflict, and competition. The past decades witnessed that the tensions between the duo increase over the disputed borders and the geopolitical rivalry for power, influence, resources, and markets. However, from Nehru to Manmohan era, it has been seen that regardless of the unresolved differences and border disputes the potential gains in the India-China relations are more substantial than the costs. This is the reason why the two countries are eager to advance their relations to a new level. The recent endeavors of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen engagements with China are also no different, but the approach and style are a step ahead from his predecessors. A number of new initiatives have been undertaken by the Modi government to foster the relationship. These initiatives are seen as the beginning of a new chapter in India-China relations by the several scholars and policy-makers. In the context of the changing dynamics of relations between India and China, this paper presents a historical overview of the relationship as well as the analysis of the new initiatives taken by the Modi government. The paper also makes an attempt to investigate the prospects of a ‘new type of major power relationship’ between India and China.
India, China, Emerging powers, Narendra Modi, New type of major power relationship
