Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai - once again...

Competition should not become conflict - the message is clear and unequivocally stated. 

Will the two largest nations of the global south - Bharat and China - be together form a force to be reckoned with?

The ascendance of BRICS, the probable fall of mighty dollar, the end of petrodollar, the fast tracked dedollarization process, Russia' s indomitable courage to face NATO on the battlefield, the possible fall of European union, and most notably, with the probable fall of USA hegemony in the new world order - the recent bonhomie between India and China is significant in many ways.

It's like - United we stand - divided we fall.

Both the nations, Bharat and China must work together to play important roles in a non-unipolar global stage.

We cannot afford to be hostile to each other. With the threat of tariff of USA of about 30 percent looming large on both Bharat and China, maybe Bharat will lift the ban on FDI from China which was created in 2020 following a direct conflict between these two nations.

But that was the past - the bygone - we have learnt our lessons and that's it. Let's close that chapter. Let's create a win-win situation for these two large nations of the universe.

According to Modiji... China is our future.

And maybe he is right.

Bharat and China share a relationship from ancient times - when Bharat was considered as the Sone ka Chiriya - the golden bird. 

Ancient Bharat (India) was visited by several notable Chinese travelers, primarily Buddhist monks, who documented their journeys and provided valuable insights into Indian society, religion, and culture. Some of the most famous Chinese travelers to India were:

1. Faxian (Fa-Hien) (337–422 CE)

• Purpose: Faxian traveled to India during the Gupta Empire (around 399–412 CE) to collect Buddhist scriptures.

• Journey: He visited Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), Mathura, Kapilavastu, and Lumbini, and spent time at Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.

• Observations: Faxian described Indian governance, law, and the flourishing Buddhist monasteries. He noted that people lived peacefully, and crime was rare.

2. Xuanzang (Hsüan-Tsang) (602–664 CE)

• Purpose: Xuanzang traveled to India between 629–645 CE during the reign of King Harsha to study Buddhism and collect scriptures.

• Journey: He visited Nalanda, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Pataliputra, and Kashmir.

• Observations: He provided detailed accounts of Indian society, economy, caste system, and religious diversity. He admired Nalanda University as a great center of learning.

• Book: His travelogue "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions" became a crucial historical source.

3. Yijing (I-Tsing) (635–713 CE)

• Purpose: He traveled to India between 673–695 CE to study Buddhist texts.

• Journey: He stayed in Nalanda and Tamralipti (Bengal) for several years.

• Observations: He wrote about Buddhist customs, monastic life, and the knowledge system of Indian scholars.

• Book: His writings, such as "A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Seas", provide detailed descriptions of Indian religious life.

Significance of Their Travels

• These travelers played a crucial role in transmitting Indian Buddhist teachings to China.

• They documented historical, political, and cultural aspects of ancient India, providing valuable records for historians.

• They helped in the spread of Buddhism and strengthened cultural exchanges between India and China.

So.... let's recreate the old vibe of Bharat - the original Bharat. Let's welcome the wind of change in the new world order.

Let's enjoy the close dance between the dragon and the elephant...

Jai Hind.... Jai Bharat...