The Sino-Indian relationship has become increasingly complex. Both countries view each other within an extremely sophisticated framework of cooperation and antagonism. Cooperation can be seen in a number of areas including trade, government-to-government and military relations. At the same time however, ongoing and unresolved problems continue to plague the relationship. Chinese and Indian aspirations to become first regional and then global powers have serious repercussions for peace and prosperity in Asia. China, a member of the permanent five of the United Nations Security Council, gives the impression that it is interested in having a more powerful role on the global stage. India, a major contributor of military forces to the United Nations, but not a member of the Security Council, perceives this to be threatening. All these developments are such that, one cannot turn a blind eye to them. In the context of present developments in the region it is very important to critically review the situation. This study compares the pre-1962 environment with that of today, and the context is discussed in terms of instruments of national power which are diplomatic, informational, military and economic.

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