Despite rivalry, China-India coexistence is not a pipe dream

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where they exchanged warm messages despite a rivalry that has pushed the two nations closer together. Modi's visit to New Delhi on September 12 and 13 is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two countries, with a delegation of 400 officials attending the Brics summit.

The US tariffs on Indian goods, imposed by President Donald Trump, have contributed to this thaw in relations. Although India is prone to gravitate back towards the West, the current situation is a reason to build something durable now, as both sides have the will to act. China's shift in strategy and its interest in partnering with India rather than being a rival reflects a positive change.

The two sides have announced an eight-point consensus, including new military hotlines, border trading posts, and an expert group to pursue boundary delimitation. These measures, coupled with restored direct flights and easier visas, are the building blocks for trust and stability. China's reduction of tariffs on Indian goods and its investment in Indian manufacturing sectors indicate a willingness to open its economy to India.

For India, dependable access to Chinese minerals and inputs, real market access for goods, and Indian job creation through investment are essential. Despite the border tensions, both China and India have shown a commitment to managing their rivalry and choosing management over rupture. This partnership could be a model for other Asian powers, demonstrating that coexistence is achievable.