India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Taiwan is evident through the establishment of a new Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Mumbai and Taiwanese think tanks’ participation in the recent Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. A report suggests that India should further enhance cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to bolster Taiwan’s involvement in regional economic, governance, and security affairs.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has significantly improved its relations with Southeast and East Asian countries through the Act East Policy over the past decade. Modi’s emphasis on enhancing defense and security collaboration with ASEAN countries has elevated India’s engagement in the region to unprecedented levels, as highlighted in a recent report by the ‘Taipei Times.’
India’s expanding defense partnerships with Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and other nations signal its commitment to fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the establishment of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s first regional office in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 holds strategic importance in reinforcing India’s defense presence in the area, according to the report.
Amidst growing Chinese assertiveness, India’s proactive measures are viewed as a positive development for Taiwan. By engaging in defense diplomacy with India, Taiwan could potentially play a crucial role in enhancing stability in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, offering a balanced approach in the face of regional challenges.
India’s stance of not endorsing the ‘One China Policy’ and its efforts to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries reflect a broader strategy to advocate for strategic autonomy and resist China’s dominance in the region. These shifts in regional dynamics are advantageous for Taiwan, as various regional powers, including India, prioritize its independence in foreign and security policies, as highlighted in the report.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, the report suggests that India and Southeast Asian nations should explore involving Taiwan in trilateral and multilateral dialogues and maritime exercises. Leveraging Taiwan’s expertise in cybersecurity could assist India and ASEAN countries in safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential Chinese cyber threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced bilateral and multilateral engagement with Taiwan.
