India’s China dilemma is about capability, not import reduction
China Shock 2.0 signifies a qualitative shift, with China becoming a formidable competitor in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, driven by its integrated industrial ecosystem, an "electrostate." This presents both threats to established economies and development opportunities for others. For India, the challenge is de-risking from China without impeding its own growth and capability building. India needs a differentiated approach, converting dependencies into domestic capacity rather than indiscriminate disengagement. Strategic autonomy requires building capabilities at home, not merely eliminating foreign dependencies, allowing India to choose what it needs from China.
LiveMint · mint · Sep 21, 2026 at 9:53 AM