Analysis of Mainland China's Publication of India-Themed Books Since the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and India

Abstract

 Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China and countries along the routes have been striving to enhance people-to-people bonds. As the world's two most populous nations, China and India share a long history of cultural exchange and have accumulated globally recognized experiences in fostering mutual understanding. Publishing serves as the most prominent lens and platform for cultural exchange. This paper analyzes data on mainland China's publication of India-themed books since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, identifying several unresolved issues. These include: a disproportionately low share of religious and cultural publications; significant disparities in publication types across different publishing houses; insufficient recognition of authors with strong expertise in India-related studies; and a scarcity of books addressing Sino-Indian diplomatic relations. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to elevate the level of Sino-Indian publishing and cultural exchange. These include upgrading relevant policies, intensifying publishing exchange activities, expanding the range of published titles, and comprehensively updating and launching books tailored to the current national conditions of both countries. As China continues to deepen its “going global” policy in culture and publishing, it should meticulously refine the “fine brushwork” approach in the publishing sector during cultural exchanges with India. This will enable both sides to achieve the “going global,” “going deep,” and “going up” of each other's publications.