Beyond the horizon

"For instance, India needs to remember that the bedrock of manufacturing is good infrastructure, which is still lacking in India. So, India must invite China to build its infrastructure," he says. "Few countries can beat China in building infrastructure at low cost, because China has created such huge capacities."

Similarly, the growing number of Chinese companies with global ambitions have little choice but to look across the Himalayas and see India, one of the world's largest markets, sitting right next door, he adds.

Pande tells of a vision he has about the two countries and their growing ties. He visualizes a large conference room, with a grand signing ceremony taking place for two major deals.

In one of these deals, a consortium of companies from China's rail sector is signing a joint-venture agreement with Indian Railways for the manufacture and installation of high-speed locomotives and rolling stock that will transform the speeds of major express trains by a factor of three.

In the other deal, one of India's top pharmaceutical companies is signing a major licensing agreement with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to introduce an oncology drug developed in India for the Chinese healthcare market.

"This is what I see happening within this decade, when we will see a growing commercial relationship between the two countries that will underpin the economic growth and success of Asia," he says.

"That's because, when India and China flourish together, the whole of Asia benefits and flourishes," Pande says.

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