Nalanda's Legacy and India-China Diplomatic Relations
Nalanda, renowned as both an institution and a philosophy, symbolizes a long-standing commitment to peace, dialogue, and intellectual diplomacy. This spirit is echoed in its motto, “Aa no bhadra kratavo yantu viśvata (let noble thoughts come to us from all directions),” and aligns with the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family).
Historical Context
- The historical relationship between India and China was largely defined by the pursuit of knowledge rather than modern diplomatic ties.
- Prominent Chinese monks like Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing traveled to Indian learning centers as early as the first millennium CE.
- Nalanda served as a cultural and intellectual hub, fostering connections beyond contemporary state concerns.
Contemporary Diplomatic Engagements
- Recent signs of diplomatic thaw include meetings between defense ministers, the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and the Chinese foreign minister's visit to India.
- Current challenges include stalled trade, recurring military confrontations, and cumbersome bureaucratic processes limiting academic exchanges.
Potential for Collaborative Learning
- India can learn from China in areas like food security, infrastructure development, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
- Conversely, China could benefit from studying India's democratic decentralization, civil society engagement, and digital public goods framework.
Path Forward
- There is a need to move from reactive diplomacy to a more confident framework that respects civilizational ties amid present complexities.
- Nalanda serves as a reminder that disagreement does not necessitate disengagement.
- Focus should be on building academic and policy research on China, facilitating smoother exchanges, and fostering long-term people-to-people connections.
Conclusion
The enduring values of curiosity, compassion, and the transformative power of knowledge from Nalanda can guide India and China towards a more thoughtful engagement. Acknowledging shared legacies and fostering dialogue without suspicion may pave the way for mutual respect and understanding.
