China views India as its 'Asian Rival' with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

China and India are regarded as the two pillars of the ASIAN CENTURY. However the relationship between the two have been strained and most noted post the Galwan clashes. India as an Asian rival to China i Asian economy size - 3rd largest in Asia & 2nd largest in terms of PPP. ii Military power - According to SIPRI, 3rd has world's 4th most powerful military. iii India as a nuclear weapon state iv Convergence of India with US, Japan, Australia - Viz Quad, IPFF

v India's role as a maritime power - NECRLACE of PT AMONDA strategy, Blue water navy, strategic development of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Thus in the present times relations have been marred with suspicion, conflict and competition. Areas of differences, convergence & complementarities: I State in multipolarity - is to present unipolar world order - Viz BRICS, SCO. (2) Reform in multilateral institutions - especially IMF and World Bank - to counter western hegemony Viz: BRICS New Development Bank, Currency Reserve Arrangement. (3) Convergence of issues in WTO - for development of developing countries Viz: Areas like food security, agriculture and irrational subsidies by western countries.

Features of QUAD (1) Quadrilateral grouping of India, US, Japan and Australia (2) Non-military alliance (3) Free & open Indo-Pacific (4) Respect for international law. (5) Against unilateral actions of states Thus by very design OSI of China is raised against QUAD. China is a great power in the region with considerable influence in the region (9-dash line), militarys presence Djibouti. However so far there have not been many takers of GSI. On the contrary QUAD is a positive grouping with diversified agenda and has more appeal for the regional countries. Thus at present QUAD looks more tangible and action-oriented in comparison to GSI.