China has the world's second-largest GDP at approximately $17.9 trillion, while India ranks fifth with approximately $3.9 trillion. China's economy is 4.6x larger than India's, but India is growing faster at 6.5-7% annually versus China's 4-5%.
China vs India: GDP Comparison 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's second-largest economy and manufacturing superpower
World's most populous nation with fastest major-economy growth rate
Total GDP (nominal). GDP per capita. Annual growth rate. Population. Manufacturing output share. Foreign direct investment. Projected GDP rank by 2035
China maintains overwhelming economic dominance with a GDP nearly 4.6x larger than India's and significantly higher per-capita wealth and manufacturing capacity. However, India is closing the gap rapidly with consistently higher growth rates (6.8% vs 4.3%) and is projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2035. Choose China if analyzing current global economic power; choose India if evaluating future growth potential and emerging markets.
China: $17.7 Trillion | India: $3.7 Trillion
China: $292 Billion | India: $81 Billion
China: 35% of global output | India: N/A
China: Limited by export controls | India: N/A
China: $400-800 billion potential loss | India: N/A
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
China: -0.5 to -2% ($400-800B reduction) | India: N/A
China: One-party communist state | India: N/A
China: 40% (global EV sales) | India: N/A
China: $17.9 trillion | India: $3.9 trillion
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
China: 1.42 billion | India: 1.45 billion
China: 1.42 billion | India: 1.44 billion
China: 0.796 (Very High) | India: 0.644 (Medium)
China: 12% (design & manufacturing) | India: N/A
China: World's factory (services rising) | India: Services-led, large farm labor share
China: Largest — ~29% of global value-added | India: 5th-largest globally
China: $163 billion | India: $85 billion
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
China: $1,830 billion | India: $436 billion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
China: 1.2 million base stations | India: N/A
Annual GDP Per Capita Growth (2020-2026)
China: $189 billion | India: $85 billion
China: $78 billion | India: $254 billion
China vs India: GDP Comparison 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for China vs India: GDP Comparison 2026. Contains 148 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
China vs India: GDP Comparison 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs India: GDP Comparison 2026.
Why is China's economy so much larger than India's despite similar populations?
China industrialized 2-3 decades earlier and built massive manufacturing infrastructure. China's GDP per capita ($12,720) is 4.5x higher than India's ($2,850), meaning each Chinese citizen generates far more economic value. China controls 28% of global manufacturing versus India's 3%, reflecting decades of capital investment, supply chain development, and technology adoption.
Projections suggest India will become the third-largest economy by 2035, surpassing Japan and Germany, but will not exceed China's total GDP in the next decade. However, by 2050-2060, India's faster growth (6.8% vs 4.3%) and larger population could potentially close the gap. China would need sustained growth below 3% for India to surpass it within 15 years.
China's economy is driven by manufacturing (27% of GDP), export-oriented industries, real estate, and increasingly high-tech sectors (semiconductors, EVs, batteries). India's economy relies on services (55% of GDP, including IT and finance), agriculture (18% of GDP), and growing domestic consumption. India's service-heavy model contrasts sharply with China's manufacturing-dominant structure.
Which country is a better investment destination?
China offers established infrastructure, massive supply chains, and access to 1.4 billion consumers, but faces regulatory challenges and slower growth. India offers higher growth potential, a young workforce, and lower costs, but has infrastructure gaps and bureaucratic hurdles. China suits established manufacturers; India suits tech services, outsourcing, and long-term growth plays.
How does population affect economic growth?
India's median age of 28 versus China's 39 means India has a growing workforce and consumer base for decades, supporting sustained growth. China's aging population (similar to Japan and Europe) means fewer workers supporting more retirees, requiring higher productivity gains to maintain growth rates above 4-5%.
Total GDP (nominal): China has $17.9 trillion, while India has $3.9 trillion.
GDP per capita: China has $12,720, while India has $2,850.
Annual growth rate: China has 4.3%, while India has 6.8%.
Population: China has 1.42 billion, while India has 1.44 billion.
Manufacturing output share: China has 28% of global, while India has 3% of global.
Foreign direct investment: China has $189 billion (2024), while India has $85 billion (2024).
Projected GDP rank by 2035: China has 2nd place, while India has 3rd place.