My cousin forwarded me this article about India vs. China. They conclude:

The reasons they have done so are complex but, in general, China has discouraged or actively undermined local entrepreneurship in favor of an foreign direct investment-dependent approach, they say. India, on the other hand, is building an infrastructure—however slowly—that allows entrepreneurship and free enterprise to thrive. By making fuller use of its resources, India's long-term outlook may be far stronger, they suggest. Macroeconomic statistics cited by Huang and Khanna show China clearly in the lead. "But," the authors wonder in Foreign Policy, "the real issue isn't where China and India are today, but where they will be tomorrow."

Unforunately, I'm inclined to disagree with this. Capitalism and economic success are fundamentally predicated on the individual and his confidence in his own ability to create his own engine of economic growth. National success stems from his ability to interface that engine to others doing the same. Governments can help with this process but they are fundamentally NOT in the driver's seat here. Individuals are.  And, disquieting to some, it's ephemeral attitudes and cultural environments that dominate almost to the exclusion of everything else.

Now, I'll freely admit that my evidence is supremely anecdotal and gathered from chatting with the healthy population of emigres from both countries here in the Bay Area. Both populaces are fed up with their respective governments. But I can't help but feel that for many Indians-still-in-India, their disillusionment is with the *current* government instead of a deeply shaken belief in the ability of government to solve problems and make things better for them. The question is between 2 different governmental initiatives to create wealth rather than between government and non-government.  

The Chinese, by contrast, seem much more willing to throw caution to the wind and embark on decidedly non-governmental initiatives.  A young 20-something Chinese person fresh from university is more likely to see his livelihood being made in creating a new garment factory or a construction business vs. many Indians who still harbor a post-colonial distrust towards business.  A 20,000 person shoe factory breeds awe in China but a type of anti-globo-inspired fear in India.