China is the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP ($17.9 trillion) with higher industrial output and infrastructure spending, while India is the fastest-growing major economy at 6.4% annual growth with 1.45 billion people and rising technological influence. China leads in manufacturing and exports, but India's demographic advantage and tech sector growth position it for long-term economic dominance.
India vs China — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
South Asian nation of 1.45 billion people with the world's fastest-growing major economy and expanding tech sector.
World's second-largest nominal GDP with dominant manufacturing sector and rapid growth.
GDP (Nominal 2024). Annual GDP Growth Rate. Population. Median Age. Merchandise Exports (2024). HDI (Human Development Index). Unicorn Companies (Tech Startups)
China is the current economic superpower with superior GDP, manufacturing dominance, and infrastructure investment, making it the world's factory and a major creditor nation. India is the economy of the future with younger demographics, faster growth rates, and an expanding tech/services sector, positioned to overtake China's economic output within 15-20 years. Choose China for current economic scale and industrial capacity; choose India for growth potential and demographic tailwinds.
India: $3.7 Trillion | China: $17.7 Trillion
India: $81 Billion | China: $292 Billion
India: 1.45 billion | China: 1.42 billion
India: Services-led, large farm labor share | China: World's factory (services rising)
India: 5th-largest globally | China: Largest — ~29% of global value-added
India: $3.9 trillion | China: $17.9 trillion
India: $85 billion | China: $163 billion
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
India: $436 billion | China: $1,830 billion
India: 0.644 (Medium) | China: 0.796 (Very High)
India: N/A | China: 35% of global output
India: N/A | China: Limited by export controls
India: N/A | China: $400-800 billion potential loss
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
India: N/A | China: -0.5 to -2% ($400-800B reduction)
India: N/A | China: One-party communist state
India: N/A | China: 40% (global EV sales)
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
India: N/A | China: 12% (design & manufacturing)
India vs China — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for India vs China. Contains 112 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
India vs China — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for India vs China.
Yes, based on current projections. India's 6.4% annual growth versus China's 5.0%, combined with India's younger demographics and China's aging population, suggest India will surpass China in nominal GDP within 15-20 years (around 2040-2045). However, China will remain larger by PPP (purchasing power parity) for decades due to its current 4.6x size advantage.
Which country has better infrastructure?
China leads significantly. It invests $1+ trillion annually in infrastructure and has built 40,000+ km of high-speed rail, 200,000+ km of highways, and dozens of mega-ports. India's infrastructure spending is ~$200 billion annually, resulting in fewer highways (10,000 km), limited rail modernization, and inconsistent urban planning. China's HDI of 0.796 reflects these superior systems.
Why does China export 4x more than India?
China dominates manufacturing with 28% of global output versus India's 3%. China specializes in electronics, machinery, and textiles sold globally, while India's exports focus on lower-margin IT services, textiles, and chemicals. Additionally, China's 40-year head start in industrialization (starting 1978) created entrenched supply chains and production ecosystems that remain hard to replicate.
Is China's economy more stable than India's?
China's mature, manufacturing-based economy is less volatile than India's emerging market, but faces structural risks. China's debt-to-GDP of 280% (vs. India's 80%) and real estate sector troubles ($5 trillion in property debt) create long-term fragility. India's younger population and growing tech sector provide more resilience, though political and regulatory inconsistencies create near-term uncertainty.
Which country is better for business investment?
It depends on timeframe. China offers immediate scale, established supply chains, and 305 unicorn companies but faces regulatory tightening and slowing growth. India offers high growth (6.4%), 71 unicorns, and a rising consumer market, but requires patience with infrastructure and regulatory clarity. China for 1-5 years; India for 5-20 year horizons.
GDP (Nominal 2024): India has $3.9 trillion, while China has $17.9 trillion.
Annual GDP Growth Rate: India has 6.4%, while China has 5.0%.
Population: India has 1.45 billion, while China has 1.42 billion.
Median Age: India has 28 years, while China has 38 years.
Merchandise Exports (2024): India has $436 billion, while China has $1.83 trillion.
HDI (Human Development Index): India has 0.644 (Medium), while China has 0.796 (Very High).
Consider: Unicorn Companies (Tech Startups)
Unicorn Companies (Tech Startups): India has 71 (2024), while China has 305 (2024).