India and China: Turning Shared Strengths into Shared Growth

India and China together represent one of the most powerful combinations in the modern global economy. With a combined population of over three billion people, the two nations form one of the largest consumer and production bases in the world. Despite their differences, both countries remain deeply connected through trade, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.

In 2023, bilateral trade between India and China reached a record US$136.2 billion, marking a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year. Indian exports to China rose by 6 percent, while China’s exports to India grew further in 2024 to US$120.48 billion, showing that commerce continues to thrive even in challenging times.

However, the road to cooperation hasn’t always been smooth. Following border tensions a few years ago, India imposed bans on several Chinese apps, including TikTok, and Chinese smartphone maker Vivo was removed as the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL). These moves reflected a shift toward caution and self-reliance, but they also marked a period of distance between two economies that had long benefited from each other’s strengths.

Now, that distance appears to be narrowing. The resumption of direct flights between Kolkata and major Chinese cities signals a renewed willingness to reconnect. Beyond convenience, it represents the reopening of trust, communication, and commerce. This connection will allow Indian entrepreneurs, investors, and startups to re-engage with Chinese partners, exploring new markets, sharing ideas, and forming collaborations that can drive regional growth.

During my recent visit to the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, where I represented Milano by Danube, I witnessed firsthand the power of China’s industrial ecosystem. The scale, precision, and innovation on display were remarkable. What impressed me most was the dedication of Chinese entrepreneurs and their willingness to discuss ideas, adapt, and deliver even at odd hours. That drive and work ethic are lessons in perseverance and progress. Additionally, we also observed attendees from various parts of India actively participating, which highlighted the growing engagement of Indian businesses at this global platform. 

Complementary Strengths and Collaboration

India and China’s strengths are deeply complementary. India leads in innovation, technology, education, and creative industries, while China remains the global benchmark in large-scale manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain excellence. Together, they can balance creativity with capability and form an unbeatable combination of intellectual and industrial power.

This collaboration extends far beyond trade. In technology, India’s software ecosystem and China’s hardware expertise can redefine Asia’s position in global innovation. In entertainment, Bollywood’s influence can meet China’s growing interest in cinema and storytelling. In education, student and research exchanges can bridge knowledge across borders, creating shared understanding and talent pipelines.

It’s also time to challenge old perceptions about Chinese products being low-quality or low-cost. That view is outdated. Take Huawei’s latest three-fold smartphone, which delivers 200 percent higher performance and costs 200 percent more than an iPhone not due to branding, but because of the advanced engineering behind it. “Made in China” today represents technological precision, much like “Made in India” increasingly stands for creativity and innovation.

A Shared Future of Growth

As the U.S.–China tech rivalry intensifies and tariffs on Indian and Chinese goods disrupt global supply chains, both nations have an opportunity to strengthen from within. By working together, India and China can build regional resilience, boost domestic industries, and create a sustainable growth model less dependent on Western markets.

Recent discussions about lifting certain trade restrictions and reopening collaboration channels between the two countries are steps in the right direction. If both sides continue to rebuild economic and cultural bridges, it could lead to a longer, more stable partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared success.

After all, the essence of our relationship runs deeper than policy. As a very famous Bollywood song once said, “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”, hat message of friendship and brotherhood feels particularly relevant today. The world doesn’t need more divisions, it needs partnerships that can inspire cooperation, innovation, and growth.

The future of Asia and perhaps the future of global progress lies not in competition, but in collaboration. When India’s innovation meets China’s precision, we don’t just create stronger economies; we create a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking world.

Tags : India China Exports