The article explores the complex geopolitical dynamics governing India-China relations, evaluating the prospects, conditions, and limits of peaceful coexistence between the two rising powers in a multipolar global order. - **Line of Actual Control (LAC):** The Line of Actual Control is the demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the Sino-Indian border dispute, spanning multiple sectors from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. - **Panchsheel Agreement:** A framework of five foreign policy principles established in 1954 to guide Sino-Indian relations, emphasizing mutual respect for territorial integrity, non-aggression, and peaceful coexistence. - **Competitive Coexistence:** A current geopolitical condition characterizing India-China relations where deep strategic rivalry, territorial disputes, and economic competition occur alongside pragmatic economic engagement and multilateral cooperation. **Introduction** The article explores the complex geopolitical dynamics governing India-China relations, evaluating the prospects, conditions, and limits of peaceful coexistence between the two rising powers in a multipolar global order. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - India-China relations face deep structural challenges rooted in unresolved border disputes, strategic competition, and asymmetric economic dependencies. - Coexistence between the two Asian giants requires moving beyond tactical disengagement to address long-term strategic divergence and mutual trust deficits. - A multipolar Asia necessitates careful diplomatic balancing where neither nation seeks hegemony, allowing for cooperative frameworks in global forums like BRICS and SCO despite bilateral friction. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Line of Actual Control (LAC):** The Line of Actual Control is the demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the Sino-Indian border dispute, spanning multiple sectors from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. - **Panchsheel Agreement:** A framework of five foreign policy principles established in 1954 to guide Sino-Indian relations, emphasizing mutual respect for territorial integrity, non-aggression, and peaceful coexistence. - **Competitive Coexistence:** A current geopolitical condition characterizing India-China relations where deep strategic rivalry, territorial disputes, and economic competition occur alongside pragmatic economic engagement and multilateral cooperation.