Correct option is C
The relationship between the two sentences is one of contrast.
· The first sentence mentions China's economic strides, which have come at the expense of democracy, illustrating a trade-off between economic growth and democratic principles.
· The second sentence, however, highlights India's approach, where economic growth has been pursued alongside the preservation of democratic norms.
· This sets up a direct contrast, showing two different national strategies towards balancing economic development with political governance, thereby enriching the discourse on economic policies in varied political contexts.