ABSTRACT
The introduction offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary overview of China–India relations since 2020, marked by the Galwan Valley clash and ongoing border tensions. Despite some diplomatic progress, deep mistrust persists between the two Asian giants, exacerbated by global shifts like Donald Trump's return to the US presidency. The introduction explores the bilateral relationship's scale, historical depth, and strategic complexity, emphasizing its global significance. It covers enduring issues—border disputes, Tibet, and river waters—alongside evolving military and economic dynamics. The overview notes comparative analyses that highlight convergences and divergences in governance, strategic culture, and global order conceptions. Third-party influences, including the US, Russia, Japan, and regional actors, are examined for their impact on bilateral ties. The introduction also addresses China's and India's roles in global institutions and issue areas like peacekeeping and health governance. Ultimately, it argues for nuanced scholarly understanding and sustained leadership in both societies to foster stability and cooperation amid persistent rivalry.
