While bilateral relations between many rising powers have been conflictual, India and China stand as exceptions. Not only have the two countries managed their relations with each other and ensured peace on the unresolved border, they have also gone far in engaging each other in a mutually beneficial manner. It was the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who took the first step in what is known as 'graduated reciprocation in tension reduction' by his maiden visit to China in December 1988. Almost two decades later, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is visiting China in the same tradition.

In the last two decades, every visit by leaders of the two countries has engendered huge expectations. This is natural given the fact that the two countries were not on good terms during much of the Cold War and had even fought a war over the unresolved border in 1962. Almost all subsequent visits, therefore, led to some step or the other that helped in the management of differences between the two countries over a range of issues, including the border dispute and brought about an atmosphere of rapprochement and a desire to move forward. Primarily as a result of this high level desire for managing the relations, India and China have come closer to each other in many areas. While agreeing to disagree on certain issues, the two countries have nevertheless also identified new areas for partnership. The congruence of views on major issues of international relations is more visible and there is a political conception of tolerance and accommodation at the bilateral level. The political rhetoric and cynicism that characterized Sino-Indian relations in the 1960s, 1970s and even the 1980s is pleasantly missing. Indeed, it has become difficult for both countries to indulge in diplomatic showdowns even on issues where they sharply differ.

The Prime Minister is visiting China at a time when Sino-Indian relations are in a crucial phase. Trade between the two sides have crossed the US$30 billion benchmark at the end of 2007 and is growing at a rapid rate. Militarily, both countries do not perceive each other as a 'threat' and are focusing rather on common threats as evident from the recently concluded Kunming joint military exercises. Culturally, both countries have moved closer to each other and are more informed about each other than a few decades ago.

Having said that, there is plenty of ground to be covered in Sino-Indian relations, and therefore, there will be high expectations from the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister. Much will be expected on the boundary issue that lies at the core of Sino-Indian ties. However, given the intricacies involved, the two sides are unwilling to put a premium on the resolution of this issue and would rather like institutional mechanisms to take this forward. The 2005 agreement on the political parameters has the potential to deliver a mutually agreed solution to the painful and protracted talks. For the moment, patience is required on this sensitive issue.

Dr. Singh's visit could see setting new targets on trade relations, set around US$50 billion by 2010. Of late, however, trade relations have been a sore point from the Indian perspective, given the widening trade deficit. The Indian leadership, therefore, needs to explore the 'export basket' in consultation with their Chinese counterparts to ensure a level-playing field. The two countries could also begin a process leading towards an India China regional trade agreement (RTA) in the coming years. A joint study group has already submitted its report and it would be interesting to see if the two sides are willing to explore mutual concessions to each side to implement the RTA.

Relations between India and China will be an important determinant of Asian security and the evolving balance of power in Asia-Pacific region. If the two countries play together, many issues in international relations could be resolved in a manner that will benefit the developing world, as witnessed from the recently concluded Bali talks on climate change. There are plenty of international issues to cooperate and India and China could grow together without cutting into each other's space and influence.

From this perspective, Dr. Singh faces a challenge in his China visit. The Chinese have been slow to recognize India's rightful position in international relations. Witness for example, China's reluctance to accept India as a nuclear power or support its candidature for the UN Security Council as a permanent member. China needs to be magnanimous in order to ensure 'cooperative instincts' from the Indian side. Hopefully, the visit by the Indian Prime Minister will lay down new areas for cooperation that in turn will consolidate "cooperative political equations" between the two countries.

Note: The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Government of India.