It is said that only neighbors in trouble are useful, the same thing was clearly seen at the 25th SCO summit started in Tianjin, China, where Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping came face to face after years. This meeting took place after 7 years and at a time when America has increased the pressure on India to impose tariff by 50%. In such a situation, when the leaders of two big countries of Asia appeared to be standing together, the world’s eyes also stood on them.

Xi Jinping said on this occasion that India and China are counted among the oldest and largest civilized countries in the world. Both Global are an important part of South, in such a situation it is best to remain neighbor and friend. He also said that it is necessary to become friends and good neighbors and to come together with dragon and elephant. But do you know why China is called Dragon and India is called elephant? Let’s know this funny anecdote.

Why India was called an elephant?

Indeed, this symbolic comparison was first introduced by foreign media for the first time. In 2015, the New York Times during the Paris Climate Summit showed India in cartoons as a large and dull elephant, stopping the train of climate change. That is, India was described as a slow and obstructed country. At the same time, China got the image of the dragon, as the dragon is considered a symbol of power and boom in their culture.

Experts say that elephant for India began to be used more than the 1990s, when India started economic reforms, foreign magazines compared India to China. China was called a sharp and aggressive dragon, while India was sometimes said to be a dull and sometimes a lame elephant.

Canadian author David M. Malon does his book does the Elephant Dance? I wrote that India may run with slow steps, but is stable and strong like an elephant. Gradually, the word elephant became an international recognition for India.

Why did China become a dragon?

At the same time, the story of China is different. About 1800 years ago, the Han dynasty made Dragon a royal symbol. The emperor used to connect it with his strength and pride. Even today, dragon is considered a symbol of luck and prosperity in China. Whereas in the stories of Western countries, the dragon was shown as a dangerous monster.

Pandit Nehru’s animal diplomacy

India’s ties with elephants is also very old. From the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization to Lord Ganesha, the elephant has been an important part of Indian culture. After independence, Pandit Nehru also used the elephant in diplomacy. He sent elephants to the children of Canada and Japan, which was called animal diplomacy. That is, it is clear that this story of dragon and elephant is not just a symbol, but reflects the identity and thinking of both countries.

Also read: Case filed against Chat GPT in this country, who will get punishment if the charge is proved?

China has extended the hand of friendship towards India amid growing trading tension between the US and China. China has expressed a desire to buy more goods from India and promote trade cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to India in Beijing, Shoo Faihong, said that India and China should look for new business opportunities and Indian enterprises should make their place in the Chinese market.

What did China say?

Shoo Faihong said in a conversation with the Global Times, “We are ready to strengthen commercial and economic cooperation with India and want to import more and more Indian products for the Chinese market.” He invited Indian companies to find business opportunities in China and said that they can cross the Himalayas and become partners in China’s development.

Will India give businessmen to China?

China has also hoped from India that it will create a fair and transparent business environment for Chinese companies. There is talk of further expansion of business relations between the two countries. This statement came at a time when Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to India’s President Draupadi Murmu to bring both countries closer. This message was given on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations.

Changes in relationship after border dispute

India and China have been trying to improve their relations since the struggle in the Galwan Valley in 2020. After that clash, India had banned many Chinese investments, which continue till now. However, recently the two countries entered into an agreement on mutual patrol and decided to resume direct flights in January 2024.

The effect of America’s tariff

US President Donald Trump is going to implement reciperook tariff soon, which may affect the global trade system. Trump says that he wants to take American industries to Golden Era and prevent trade abuse with the US.

Trump has already called India “Tariff King” and “Tariff Abuser”. However, India is one of the few countries that are trying to resolve business conflict with the US and talk on the tariff agreement.

Also read: Donald Trump Reciprocal Tariff: Donald Trump’s reciperook tariff will have the highest impact on these things, see the full list here