ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that a lack of basic knowledge about each other is one of the reasons for the continued insecure, increasingly uncomfortable and noticeably distrusting relations between India and China. It proposes that Indian and Chinese governments and the private sector must try to rectify the 'trust deficit' by first investing in appropriate research institutes and programmes to study the other country. Second, the two governments should promote people-to-people contact through educational exchanges and tourism. Third, the Indian media must devote resources to cover China not through sensational news reports, but by presenting insightful views and factual information. Without these steps the trust deficit between the two countries will continue to grow and the pending border issue will never get resolved. The chapter explores the portrayal of the ancient interactions as a phase of affinity, dialogue and mutual understanding that was ushered by the transmission of Buddhism to China is misleading.
