Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
In 1987, the economies of China and India were essentially identical in size. Both were massive, largely agrarian nations with over a billion people, waking up from decades of closed-off socialist policies. Yet today, China’s economy is roughly five times larger than India's, boasting gleaming mega-cities, high-speed rail networks, and unparalleled manufacturing dominance.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
In 1987, the economies of China and India were essentially identical in size. Both were massive, largely agrarian nations with over a billion people, waking up from decades of closed-off socialist policies. Yet today, China’s economy is roughly five times larger than India's, boasting gleaming mega-cities, high-speed rail networks, and unparalleled manufacturing dominance.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.










