The rise of China is one ofthe most defining features ofthe twenty-first century world. Sino-India relations are increasingly becoming central to the making and re-making of the global order. Both the countries together have the largest population, the biggest markets, the largest skilled workforce and two of the world’s largest economies and militaries capable of transforming the world unpredictably. They share a strong civilisational, commercial and geographical affinity for centuries. Any attempt at encirclement and hedging for strategic depth by either of these Asian giants could severely jeopardise their efforts for prosperity, security and to build a peaceful international system. China and India should realistically respect and accept the geo-political limitations of each other and strongly embrace the principles pledged in the Panchsheel Agreement of1954.
