Why Comparing India and China is "Unfair": A Breakdown
A video by American blogger Harrison Blackwell titled "Why Comparing India and China is Unfair" has sparked heated debate online. While the title might suggest a defense of India, the content has triggered strong reactions from Indian viewers. This article breaks down Blackwell's arguments and the responses they elicited.
Infrastructure Disparities
Roads and Logistics
Blackwell identifies India's infrastructure as a major obstacle to its modernization. He describes Indian roads as pothole-ridden, comparing them to the surface of the moon. He further notes that trucks on highways move at a snail's pace and that modern connections between industrial zones are lacking. The logistical costs in India are significantly higher than in China, accounting for 14% of India’s GDP compared to China's 8% in 2023.
Port Capacity
He contrasts the capacity of Indian and Chinese ports, pointing out that Jawaharlal Nehru Port in India handles 5 million TEUs annually, while the Port of Shanghai in China handles a staggering 47 million TEUs. Blackwell argues that India's logistics system resembles a relic of the Stone Age. One commenter noted that China provides industrial products, while India provides "jokes."
Electricity Grid Reliability
Instability and Shortages
Blackwell criticizes India's unreliable power grid, likening it to "hamsters running on wheels." He cites a massive power outage in North India in 2022 during a heatwave, leaving millions in darkness. He notes that India's national electricity shortage is a recurring issue, hovering around 4%.
China's Robust System
In contrast, Blackwell highlights China's stable and comprehensive electricity system, which includes coal, hydro, and renewable energy sources. China's coal power generation capacity reaches 1.1 million megawatts compared to India's aging 200,000 megawatts. One commenter remarked that comparing India to China in this regard is like comparing a horse to a donkey.
Development Scale and Ambition
High-Speed Rail and Industrial Parks
Blackwell emphasizes the vast difference in the scale of development. China boasts 40,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, thousands of modern industrial parks, and a global supply chain hub. These centers are creating pressure for Silicon Valley.
"Make in India" vs. "Belt and Road Initiative"
He contrasts China’s successful Belt and Road Initiative, which has invested over $1 trillion in global infrastructure since 2013, with India’s "Make in India" initiative, which has produced more press releases than tangible projects. He claims China built entire cities like Shenzhen from scratch, while India is still repairing colonial-era railways.
Media and Economic Data
Manufacturing and GDP Growth
Blackwell criticizes the Indian media for exaggerating economic data. He points out that while India reported GDP growth of 8% in 2023, this growth was primarily driven by debt and domestic consumption, rather than manufacturing and exports. India's manufacturing sector accounts for 30% of GDP, seemingly close to China's 20%, but the quality and efficiency are incomparable. China possesses a complete and efficient supply chain, along with world-class export capabilities.
Export Volumes
China's export volume reached $6 trillion in 2023, while India's was only $670 billion.
Labor Force Training
Skills Gap
Blackwell points out that only 5% of India's labor force has formal vocational training, compared to 70% in China. He argues that Chinese workers are well-trained and equipped with advanced technology.
Manufacturing Challenges
He notes that while India has a thriving IT sector, its manufacturing sector struggles. Foxconn, for example, was forced to halt production in India in 2024 due to a lack of skilled workers, because they could not find enough technicians. The problem is that even basic tasks such as correctly tightening a bolt are beyond reach for many.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Colonial Legacy
Blackwell highlights India's continued reliance on colonial-era infrastructure, such as its railway system, which has resulted in numerous accidents. He contrasts this with China's transformation since World War II.
Unfulfilled Potential
Blackwell argues that India's problem is not a lack of potential but a lack of motivation to realize it. He believes that the country's elites are focused on personal gain, while the media spreads false narratives. He concludes by suggesting that any talk of India's imminent rise should be dismissed as wishful thinking. He argues that India is too busy playing games with itself to be considered a serious competitor.