"I lived in China for 10 years & they don't even think about India...." - Ex India-China Negotiator

In this deep-dive conversation on 'The Prakhar Gupta Xperience,' former Indian ambassador Sujan Chinoy—renowned for leading India's border negotiations with China post-2019 clashes—offers a masterclass in geopolitical realism. Drawing from 45 years of diplomatic experience, Chinoy dissects China's strategic ambitions, emphasizing its quiet rise through economic power, soft diplomacy, and initiatives like the Belt and Road, while cautioning against viewing it through a Western lens. He contrasts China's 'Pax Sinica' vision with the U.S.'s 'Pax Americana,' highlighting how China’s focus on regional dominance, technological self-reliance, and long-term planning differs from America’s global activism. Chinoy also reflects on India’s unique non-aligned path, the strategic importance of Taiwan for China’s 2049 vision, and the evolving dynamics in West Asia, particularly around Hormuz Strait and energy security. He underscores India’s growing global stature under Prime Minister Modi, praising the country’s principled foreign policy, resilience, and ability to maintain autonomy amid great power competition. The conversation concludes with a call for India to learn from China’s discipline and infrastructure focus while preserving its democratic values and cultural confidence.