The POD is not relevant to the question. It was a simple question. I am not trying to envision the whole world of WI
Just WI the two largest nations by population at that time on the planet had put themselves in a similar scenario except this time it was not some foreign power half a world away. Since the Qing buckled under from just 20k troops showing up would they also have buckled under India as well essentially concede Asia in the mid to late 1800s
The POD IS relevant. Seriously. Your title is literally "WI", by the way.
And the Qing buckling under 20k Indian troops? Not happening. Remember, the POD is essential to understanding the WI. Now, if those troops were modernized - wait, no, still not happening. It took Japan millions of troops to fail to conquer a divided China - you think India can defeat a united China with tens of thousands?
Britain is miles away, and it was easy for China to underestimate her strength. This led them to make fatal mistakes (but remember, China won victories against the British at Sanyuanli).
But the reason why Britain won? Not because of their army, as you mistakenly believe. They blockaded the Changjiang, stopping the transport of rice north to northern China, which could have led to famine. But since India is a land power (as I have explained earlier), it would be difficult or impossible to beat China on its own turf.
Let me explain why.
1. We don't know if India is modernized. That's why we need a POD.
2. The Qing Dynasty is going to be more vigilant against India. Obviously.
3. China can win on land.
4. India's a land power, not a naval power, since that's necessary for unification.