Understanding India and China in South Asia

Abstract

India is often recognized as a powerful country, but a careful study brings to the light that China has a more favorable position vis-à-vis India in South Asia. Many reasons can be put in favor of this argument.First, South Asian countries view China as a more reliable partner in the region in the long run. China's card could always help South Asian countries to evade the overwhelming Indian influence. Second, a closer pee pinto India's South Asian policy reveals that it has improved the economic interdependence, trade and regional connectivity since 1991. But China holds the position of preeminence in political and economic affairs and has more to lure Indian neighbors away from the Indian sphere of influence. Third, South Asian countries also look at China's global position as an opportunity for their prosperity