Jim O’Neill: India & China Ties Could Reshape Asia and Global Economy

By Global Leaders Insights Team | Dec 16, 2025

Prominent economist Jim O’Neill has highlighted that stronger cooperation between India and China has the potential to significantly reshape both the Asian region and the broader global economy. According to O’Neill, closer engagement between the world’s two most populous nations could unlock unprecedented economic opportunities, given their combined scale, market size, and growing influence in global trade and production.

Key Highlights

  • Jim O’Neill says India–China cooperation could reshape Asia’s growth trajectory and strengthen the global economy.
  • Economic collaboration between the two nations may unlock trade, investment, and long-term regional development opportunities.

He noted that India and China together represent a substantial share of global economic growth and consumption, making collaboration between the two countries a powerful force in driving innovation, manufacturing expansion, and supply-chain resilience. Improved economic ties could also enhance Asia’s role as a key engine of global growth, particularly at a time when developed economies are facing slower expansion.

O’Neill emphasized that deeper cooperation could help both countries address shared challenges such as infrastructure development, energy transition, technology adoption, and workforce productivity. By aligning interests in areas like trade, investment, and sustainable development, India and China could create a more balanced and resilient economic ecosystem across the region.

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However, he also acknowledged that political differences and strategic tensions remain key obstacles. Managing these challenges pragmatically, he suggested, would be essential for translating economic potential into tangible outcomes. Greater dialogue, confidence-building measures, and mutually beneficial trade frameworks could help reduce friction and foster long-term collaboration.

Overall, O’Neill believes that if India and China find ways to work together economically, their partnership could not only accelerate growth across Asia but also have far-reaching implications for global markets, investment flows, and economic stability in the years ahead.