India's Stance on Taiwan Unchanged: Economic Ties in Focus
India maintains its position on Taiwan, prioritizing economic and cultural connections.
India has reaffirmed that its stance on Taiwan remains unchanged, emphasizing a relationship centered on economic, technological, and cultural cooperation, according to government sources. The clarification follows reports in Chinese media suggesting that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday, explicitly stated that India considers Taiwan a part of China. Sources have clarified that Jaishankar made no such definitive statement on the Taiwan issue during the discussions.
India’s relationship with Taiwan is rooted in mutual interests, particularly in trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. "There is no shift in our position on Taiwan," government sources stated. "Like many other nations, India engages with Taiwan to foster economic growth, technological collaboration, and cultural ties, and we intend to strengthen these areas moving forward." This approach reflects India's pragmatic strategy to balance regional dynamics while promoting bilateral cooperation with Taiwan.
The two foreign ministers held comprehensive talks in New Delhi on Monday, covering a range of bilateral and global issues. The discussions underscored India’s commitment to maintaining stable relations with its neighbors while continuing to deepen ties with Taiwan in non-political domains.
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Historically, India has acknowledged the One-China policy in the past, but this position has not been explicitly reiterated in recent bilateral documents, signaling a subtle shift in diplomatic tone. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, India and Taiwan have cultivated robust trade ties, with bilateral trade volumes steadily increasing over the years.
To facilitate interactions, India established the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei in 1995, which serves as a key platform for promoting business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The ITA is also authorized to provide consular and passport services, ensuring smooth people-to-people connections. Similarly, Taiwan set up the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in New Delhi in the same year, further strengthening the framework for cooperation.
As global attention remains focused on the Indo-Pacific region, India’s nuanced approach to Taiwan underscores its commitment to economic pragmatism while navigating complex geopolitical realities. The government sources emphasized that India will continue to prioritize trade and technology partnerships with Taiwan, fostering innovation and economic growth for mutual benefit.
