India a Risky Bet? China's Govt Mouthpiece Calls for Stronger Delhi-Beijing Ties Despite Harsh Label

As global trade dynamics shift, India and China are being urged to move beyond rivalry and focus on practical economic collaboration. An op-ed from China's Global Times encourages both nations to 'utilise each other's strengths,' setting the tone for renewed cooperation in 2025.

This renewed tone comes at a time when Trump-era tariffs and global supply chain adjustments are reshaping business decisions. Instead of viewing each other as adversaries, India and China are seen as complementary markets, capable of driving Asia's growth story through shared development goals.

Foreign Investment Dip in India: A Wake-Up Call or Strategic Pivot?

Recent data from Indian media highlights a sharp 99% drop in net FDI inflows in May 2025, both month-on-month and year-on-year. While this has sparked international concern, it's also triggered important internal reflections.

The Global Times references India's current challenges-outdated technology, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory inconsistencies-but also emphasizes that economic transformation takes time and effort. India is still evolving as a major economic power, and transitional dips are natural in any growth journey.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities for Growth

Experts like Chen Lijun of the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences argue that modernization demands more than optimism. It requires bold reforms, long-term vision, and collaborative strategies. India's transformation is not just about FDI numbers in a single quarter-it's about building a sustainable, future-ready economy.

India has already made strides in improving ease of doing business, launching initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and PLI schemes to attract global players. While challenges remain, India's young workforce, vibrant startup ecosystem, and democratic values continue to attract strategic interest from global investors.

A Shift From Competition to Collaboration

Instead of framing India-China relations as a rivalry, the Global Times advocates for deepening engagement. Both countries, with massive populations and fast-evolving markets, can lead regional growth if they focus on synergy over suspicion.

China is one of India's top trading partners, and both nations stand to gain from stable relations. As they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, there's an opportunity to build political trust, manage differences constructively, and expand economic channels.

Rather than chasing headlines about who replaces whom in global supply chains, India and China can co-create an Asian growth model. In an unpredictable global economy, regional cooperation is more valuable than ever.

India's current challenges are stepping stones, not stop signs. By reinforcing policy stability, infrastructure investment, and cross-border economic cooperation, India can not only regain FDI momentum but also emerge as a regional powerhouse with global influence.

India's economic trajectory in 2025 may face hurdles, but it's far from a "graveyard for foreign investment." With the right policies, a focus on mutual strengths, and strategic regional cooperation-especially with China-India is well-positioned to thrive in the new global order.