Both are seeing dramatic levels of economic growth.
Both are increasingly dynamic members of the international community, increasingly conscious of their growing influence and feted by Western governments.
The central governments in both countries have found a new pragmatism in international affairs, eager to forge strategic relationships based on fuelling their growing energy needs at home.
China has built an impressive new network of political relationships with countries rich in resources - whether in Latin America and Africa or closer to home.
India, chasing many of the same resources, is racing to keep up.
Finding a new place on the world stage, marrying pragmatism and self-interest with the urging of countries like the United States to be responsible and altruistic global citizens, is difficult enough.
But the greatest challenge for both countries is managing the threat within - the threat of social instability which is increasingly preoccupying them both.
Tags
News India Dalits Hindhus Congress Education Caste system Untouchables China
