Indo-China cultural encyclopedia aims to strengthen bilateral ties

Despite border skirmishes, the relationship between India and China over the the past decade has improved, with the two countries cooperating on a wide range of issues. In an effort to improve bilateral ties and increase mutual understanding between the two countries, an Encyclopedia of India-China cultural contacts has been compiled.

The project was undertaken by a Joint Compilation Committee which consisted of scholars and professors from both India and China. The encyclopedia contains 700 entries ranging from trade to culture to philosophy. It was released in both the countries in English and Chinese on June 30, 2014 by their respective Vice Presidents. The Chinese version had only one volume unlike the Indian version which had two. 

India and China have a shared history for over two thousand years. Apart from being a crucial contribution to literature, the encyclopedia is expected to give a boost to the popular consciousness and shared experience of people living in both the countries. 

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs hopes that the document will be a dynamic one which will be updated periodically as more research is undertaken on the cultural interface between India and China.