6 Must-Read Books to Understand Indo-China Relations

120 Indian soldiers of the 13th Kumaon Regiment and a massive Chinese force, what happened next was a display of fierce resistance, against all odds. The Battle of Rezang La by Kulpreet Yadav tells the story of that time in Ladakh when the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Battalion, led by Maj Shaitan Singh, PVC, took on the Chinese attack at Rezang La Pass.

Of the 120 soldiers, 110 were martyred, yet their bravery left an indelible mark on history. This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the stakes and impact of India-China relations at the time.

Buy here: The Battle Of Rezang La (Signed Edition)

The 1962 Sino-Indian conflict remains one of the most significant events in India-China relations. High in the Himalayas, the Chinese Army launched a sudden attack, overwhelming under-equipped Indian troops and unilaterally declaring a ceasefire. Battles across remote regions—from Nam Ka Chu and Tawang in the East to Ladakh and Chushul in the West—exposed severe mismanagement and strategic vulnerabilities.

Filmmaker and military historian Shiv Kunal Verma, through interviews with soldiers, officers, and bureaucrats, presents a definitive account of the conflict. This book is essential for understanding the roots of the strategic tension that still shapes India-China relations today.

Buy here: 1962 The War That Wasn't: The Definitive Account of the Clash Between India and China

The 1962 war was more than just a sudden Chinese attack on India—it was a clash shaped by strategy, ambition, and global positioning. In China’s India War, Bertil Lintner delves into China’s broader strategic mindset, showing how the conflict reflected China’s drive to assert itself as a global power.

By examining the political and military calculations behind the war, the book offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in India-China relations. A must-read for anyone looking to understand not just the battle, but the strategy behind it.

Buy here: China’s India War: Collision Course on the Roof of the World

Decades after the 1962 war, India and China remain key players shaping Asia’s future. In Powershift, the book explores how the two countries are navigating a complex, sometimes tense relationship in today’s multipolar world. From recurring border disputes and the Himalayan frontier to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS, and shifting global power dynamics, the book breaks down the challenges and opportunities shaping India-China relations.

A must-read for anyone wanting to understand how the rise of these two giants will impact India’s security, economy, and regional strategy.

Also read: OP Baba: The Soldier Who Guards Even After Death – A Tale of Faith and Survival on Siachen Glacier

India-China relations cannot be fully understood without considering Pakistan’s role in South Asia’s strategic landscape. In India-Pakistan: The Intractable Conflict and the China Factor, Maj Gen Virender Singh Budhwar draws on nearly four decades of military experience—from the 1971 war and the IPKF in Sri Lanka to defending Ladakh during the Kargil War—to provide a nuanced perspective on the region’s enduring conflicts.

The book thoughtfully examines how India, China, and Pakistan interact, why tensions persist, and what careful, informed policy choices could mean for a more stable South Asia.

Buy here: India-Pakistan: The Intractable Conflict and the China Factor

Red Fear takes a deep dive into the long and often confrontational history between India and China, tracing political and military interactions from the 15th to the 21st century. The book highlights how China has strategically leveraged historical grievances, positioning itself to challenge India whenever possible.

Drawing parallels from 1962 to the post-Galwan tensions of 2020, Red Fear offers a compelling perspective on the cyclical nature of conflict and shows how India’s response today could shape its role in the 21st-century world order.

India-China relations are complex, layered, and full of friction. From historic battles to modern strategic moves, these books offer a window into the events, decisions, and personalities that have shaped this relationship. Whether you’re curious about history, strategy, or regional dynamics, these reads make it easier to understand why India and China interact the way they do—and why it matters for the future.

Your next read: Forgotten Fronts: 8 Books on the Untold Military History of India