In February 2023, India overtook China as the most populous nation in the world, according to the United Nations. With a population of over 1.39 billion, India's population now exceeds China's population of 1.38 billion. This shift in population is likely to have significant implications for countries in Southeast Asia, which have long-standing economic and cultural ties with both China and India.
One of the most significant impacts of India's population overtaking China's is likely to be on the economic ties between Southeast Asia and the two countries. China has been a major economic partner for many countries in Southeast Asia, and the shift in population is likely to reduce China's economic influence in the region. At the same time, India is likely to become a more important economic partner for countries in the region, as it seeks to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia.
Another impact of India's population overtaking China's is likely to be on the geopolitical landscape of the region. China has been expanding its influence in Southeast Asia in recent years, and the shift in population is likely to lead to a reduction in China's influence in the region. At the same time, India is likely to increase its influence in the region, as it seeks to strengthen its ties with countries in Southeast Asia.
The shift in population from China to India is also likely to have significant cultural implications for Southeast Asia. China has had a significant influence on the culture of many countries in the region, and the shift in population is likely to lead to a reduction in this influence. At the same time, India's influence on the culture of the region is likely to increase, as Indian immigrants bring their culture and traditions to the region.
There are also likely to be demographic implications of India's population overtaking China's. With a larger population, India is likely to have a greater demand for resources, which could put pressure on countries in Southeast Asia that export raw materials to India. At the same time, India's population is also likely to lead to an increase in demand for goods and services, which could create new economic opportunities for countries in the region.
Despite the potential impacts of India's population overtaking China's, it is important to note that Southeast Asia is a diverse region, with many different cultures and traditions. The shift in population from China to India is likely to add to this diversity, as Indian immigrants bring their culture and traditions to the region.
In conclusion, India's population overtaking China's is likely to have significant economic, geopolitical, and cultural implications for Southeast Asia. While there are likely to be challenges associated with this shift, there are also opportunities for the region to benefit from the economic and cultural contributions of Indian immigrants. As the region continues to evolve, it will be important for policymakers to ensure that the benefits of this shift are maximized, while also addressing any potential challenges.
References:
United Nations. (2023). World Population Prospects 2022: Highlights. Retrieved from https://population.un.org/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2022_Highlights.pdf
Tan-Mullins, M., Mohan, G., & Power, M. (2010). Hybrid economic governance in China and India: the case of the natural resources sector in Southeast Asia. Development and Change, 41(6), 919-941.
