In recent years, the economic and geopolitical trajectory of India and China has diverged. Regionally, the two most populated countries in the world are seen as competing powers.

In recent years India has been on the backfoot in terms of foreign policy, and the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan appears to be no different.

China and India are and have historically been significant trading partners of Afghanistan, given their proximity and cultural relationships. Afghanistan is also situated at a strategically important location with respect to the contestation over the Aksai Chin region between India and China.