The meteoric rise of China and India has been one of the greatest geopolitical and economic stories of the last two decades. The ascent of these two giants has tipped the world’s balance of power farther to the east than it has been in centuries. Right now, China is decidedly the more influential of the two emerging powers. India, however, is no small player in the global arena and it possesses certain advantages that some believe could make it the most powerful nation in Asia.

India and China represent two vastly different ways of doing things. India has a decentralized and often chaotic manner of governing that at times threatens its rapid growth rate. The Chinese government is highly centralized with a commitment to unity and social stability that can border on obsession. India has largely friendly relations with the West, though these relations can become strained at times. China has a more steely relationship with Western nations, though a growing recognition of interdependence has made Beijing more open to cooperation. There is a growing debate about which of these approaches will prove more successful in the 21st century.

India vs. China: Economy

China is currently well ahead of India in the economic race. The People’s Republic boasts a Gross Domestic Product of $8.8 trillion (PPP, 2009 est.) compared to India’s $3.5 trillion. China also has a higher rate of real GDP growth compared to India; 8.7% vs 6.5%, respectively. China’s infrastructure is far superior to India’s as well. The Chinese government has sponsored what is perhaps the largest investment in infrastructure in human history.