Why India and China Remain Strategic Adversaries

Relations between India and China have been marked by cycles of engagement and estrangement, yet they occupy a central place in contemporary diplomatic discourse. From 1962 to 2020, bilateral ties experienced repeated fluctuations and were often viewed through the lens of suspicion and strategic competition. The 2020 Galwan clash and ensuing military standoff intensified tensions and weakened bilateral relations. In the book “ India Versus China: Why They Are Not Friends ”, Kanti Bajpai argues that these tensions cannot be understood merely as episodic crises. Instead, he analyses the relationship through four key elements: Perceptions, Perimeters, Partnerships, and Power (the “4Ps”). The book suggests that future relations may remain difficult, with rising risks of military tension if India fails to bridge power asymmetries. However, a fifth “P”, Position, may be proposed to extend Bajpai’s framework. This factor examines the geographical locations of both countries and their significance for regional security concerns. This review aims to examine the contemporary dynamics of India-China relations and assess the book’s contribution to understanding prospects for future bilateral engagement.