Archive · 2 Sep 2025
India-China Relations: A History of Missed Opportunities
A new book by an expert on China explores why India and China haven't always gotten along.
The book explains how India has made mistakes when dealing with China, like trusting them too much in the early years.
It talks about missed chances, like when India didn't agree to a border deal.
The author says that India's problems with China come from its own weaknesses, like not being united or strategic enough.
To do better, India needs to be stronger, smarter, and more focused.
Vappala Balachandran's book examines India-China relations from a historical and strategic perspective.
The book highlights India's failures in engaging China effectively since 1947.
It discusses how India's early trust in China led to missed opportunities.
The author argues that India's shortcomings have hindered its ability to negotiate with China.
The book emphasizes India needs to strengthen its internal cohesion and strategic vision.
- Who
- Vappala Balachandran, India, China
- What
- A book analyzing India-China relations since 1947, highlighting India's shortcomings.
- When
- Since 1947
- Where
- India and China
- Why
- To analyze the history of diplomatic relations between India and China.
- Author
- Vappala Balachandran
- Book Title
- India and China - At Odds in the Asian Century: A Diplomatic and Strategic History
- Publisher
- Pentagon Press LLP, New Delhi
- Publication Date
- September 2, 2025
- Key Themes
- India-China Relations, Diplomacy, Strategic History
Sources
Aakar Patel | Modi’s ‘Personal’ Diplomacy Hasn’t Worked… Can We Fix the Problem?
Modi at SCO summit: Opposition urges caution, cites Pakistan-China ‘jugalbandi’
Letters to the editor: School in US pitches Artificial Intelligence guides for students
India in dialogue with US for trade agreement: Piyush Goyal
Modi-Putin car ride: When wheels drive diplomacy
