India Taiwan Relations 2019

In 2019, India-Taiwan relations experienced a notable uptick in engagement. In a symbolic gesture, two Indian Members of Parliament virtually attended the swearing-in ceremony of Taiwan's newly elected President, marking a first for Indian representation at such an event. This development occurs within the complex framework of India's adherence to the "One China Policy," which recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Historically, India recognized the PRC in 1950, leading to a cessation of formal ties with Taiwan. Despite a period of relative distance during the Cold War, India re-evaluated its Taiwan policy in the 1990s, driven by economic and foreign policy considerations. Since then, India and Taiwan have fostered unofficial relations through the establishment of representative offices – the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India. These entities promote cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, media, tourism, and culture. This engagement is further bolstered by Taiwan's export-oriented economy and investment targets, making it a natural collaborator for India's Act East Policy (AEP). Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP), launched in 2016, aims to strengthen ties with South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, further solidifying India's role as an integral partner. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), established its own government in 1949 after the Chinese Communist Party's victory on the mainland. While initially recognized by many nations, including the US, the adoption of the One China Policy by many countries led to the severing of formal ties with Taiwan. Despite not being a member of the UN or WHO, Taiwan participates in the WTO as Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). Currently, 179 out of the 193 UN member states do not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The attendance of Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) at the swearing-in ceremony of Taiwan's President in 2019, even if conducted virtually, represents a significant, albeit unofficial, marker in the evolving relationship between India and Taiwan. This event, while seemingly a simple act of political participation, is layered with historical context, strategic implications, and the ever-present shadow of the "One China Policy." To fully understand the nuances of this interaction, it is necessary to delve into the historical background of India-Taiwan relations, the key actors involved, the policies that shape the relationship, and the potential consequences that may arise from this engagement.

India's relationship with Taiwan is fundamentally shaped by its recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government of China. This recognition, formalized in 1950, led to the cessation of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC). This decision, taken in the early years of India's independence, was driven by a complex interplay of factors, including ideological alignment, strategic considerations, and the prevailing geopolitical climate.

At the time, the newly independent India, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, was charting its own course in international relations, advocating for non-alignment and seeking to establish itself as a leading voice of the developing world. The Communist victory in China in 1949 presented India with a strategic choice. While some within India advocated for recognizing the ROC, which had been a wartime ally, Nehru ultimately opted to recognize the PRC. This decision was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the PRC had clearly established control over mainland China, making it the de facto government. Secondly, Nehru believed that engaging with the PRC was essential for regional stability and for promoting India's own interests. Furthermore, Nehru's socialist leanings made him ideologically more sympathetic to the PRC than to the ROC, which was viewed as being aligned with the United States.

The decision to recognize the PRC had significant consequences for India-Taiwan relations. It meant that India could not maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan without jeopardizing its relationship with China. This constraint has shaped the contours of India-Taiwan relations ever since. During the Cold War, India and Taiwan remained largely distant. Taiwan, backed by the United States, was a key part of the US's containment strategy against the Soviet Union and China. India, on the other hand, pursued a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain equidistance from both the US and the Soviet Union. This meant that India had limited engagement with Taiwan, even on an unofficial basis.

However, the end of the Cold War and the rise of China as an economic and military power led India to re-evaluate its Taiwan policy. In the 1990s, India began to cautiously explore the possibility of strengthening its ties with Taiwan, driven by a combination of economic and strategic considerations. The economic reforms initiated in India in 1991 opened up new opportunities for trade and investment with Taiwan. Taiwan, with its export-oriented economy and its advanced technology sector, was seen as a valuable partner for India. Furthermore, India recognized that strengthening ties with Taiwan could help to balance China's growing influence in the region.

In 1995, India and Taiwan established unofficial relations through the establishment of representative offices in each other's capitals. The India-Taipei Association (ITA) was established in Taipei, while the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) was established in New Delhi. These offices function as de facto embassies, providing consular services, promoting trade and investment, and facilitating cultural exchanges. The establishment of these offices marked a significant step forward in India-Taiwan relations, signaling India's willingness to engage with Taiwan despite the constraints of the One China Policy.

Since 1995, India and Taiwan have gradually expanded their cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, technology, and culture. Bilateral trade between India and Taiwan has grown significantly, reaching billions of dollars annually. Taiwanese companies have invested heavily in India, particularly in the electronics, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. India and Taiwan have also collaborated on various technology projects, including in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Cultural exchanges between India and Taiwan have also increased, with more students and tourists traveling between the two countries.

Despite this growing cooperation, India-Taiwan relations remain constrained by the One China Policy. India continues to officially adhere to the One China Policy, recognizing the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China. This means that India cannot establish formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, nor can it officially recognize Taiwan as an independent country. This constraint limits the scope and depth of India-Taiwan relations. However, India has also made it clear that it is committed to maintaining its unofficial relations with Taiwan and that it will continue to expand its cooperation with Taiwan in areas of mutual interest.

The decision by Indian MPs to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Taiwan's President in 2019 is a reflection of this evolving dynamic. While the attendance was conducted virtually, and therefore did not violate the One China Policy, it was nevertheless a symbolic gesture of support for Taiwan. This gesture was likely intended to send a message to both China and Taiwan. To China, it signaled that India is willing to engage with Taiwan despite China's objections. To Taiwan, it signaled that India is a reliable partner that is committed to supporting Taiwan's interests.

The attendance of Indian MPs at the swearing-in ceremony also needs to be understood in the context of broader geopolitical developments. In recent years, relations between India and China have become increasingly strained, due to a number of factors, including border disputes, trade imbalances, and China's growing assertiveness in the region. At the same time, relations between the United States and China have also deteriorated, due to trade disputes, human rights concerns, and geopolitical rivalry. These developments have created new opportunities for India and Taiwan to strengthen their cooperation.

The United States has been encouraging India to play a more active role in the Indo-Pacific region, as part of its strategy to counter China's growing influence. The United States has also been supportive of closer ties between India and Taiwan. In recent years, the United States has taken steps to strengthen its own relations with Taiwan, despite China's objections. These steps include increasing arms sales to Taiwan, sending high-level officials to visit Taiwan, and supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

India has been cautiously responding to these developments. While India remains committed to maintaining its strategic autonomy, it also recognizes the need to balance China's growing influence in the region. Strengthening ties with Taiwan is one way for India to achieve this balance. However, India also needs to be careful not to provoke China, which could lead to a further deterioration in India-China relations.

The One China Policy is a critical concept to understand in the context of India-Taiwan relations. The One China Policy is the diplomatic acknowledgment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government of China. This policy implies that countries recognizing the PRC cannot maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The One China Policy is a cornerstone of China's foreign policy and significantly impacts Taiwan's international relations. Countries must choose between having formal ties with either the PRC or Taiwan. Most countries, including India, adhere to the One China Policy, recognizing the PRC and maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan. This policy is rooted in the Chinese Civil War, which ended in 1949 with the Communist victory on the mainland and the Nationalist retreat to Taiwan. The PRC views Taiwan as a renegade province that must eventually be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains that it is an independent and sovereign state.

The One China Policy has been a source of contention in international relations for decades. China has consistently pressured countries to adhere to the One China Policy and has threatened to retaliate against those that deviate from it. The United States, while officially adhering to the One China Policy, has also maintained a strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan, providing it with military and economic assistance. This has led to tensions between the United States and China.

India's adherence to the One China Policy has shaped its relationship with Taiwan. While India recognizes the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China, it also maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan through its representative office in Taipei. This allows India to engage with Taiwan on economic, cultural, and other non-political issues. However, India's adherence to the One China Policy also limits the scope and depth of its relationship with Taiwan. India cannot establish formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, nor can it officially recognize Taiwan as an independent country.

India's Act East Policy (AEP) also plays a significant role in shaping its relationship with Taiwan. The Act East Policy is India's foreign policy initiative to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to enhance India's influence in the region and counter China's growing presence. Taiwan is seen as a valuable partner within this framework. The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, represents a shift in India's foreign policy focus from its immediate neighborhood to the wider Asia-Pacific region. The policy seeks to leverage India's economic and strategic strengths to build closer ties with countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. The Act East Policy is driven by a number of factors, including India's desire to integrate more closely with the global economy, its concerns about China's growing influence in the region, and its interest in promoting regional stability and security.

Taiwan is a key partner in India's Act East Policy. Taiwan's export-oriented economy and its advanced technology sector make it a valuable source of investment and technology for India. Taiwan is also a democratic country with a strong rule of law, which makes it an attractive partner for India. India and Taiwan have been working together to promote trade, investment, and technology cooperation under the framework of the Act East Policy. They have also been cooperating on issues such as cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. The Act East Policy has provided a framework for India and Taiwan to strengthen their cooperation, despite the constraints of the One China Policy.

Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP) is another important factor shaping India-Taiwan relations. The New Southbound Policy is Taiwan's initiative to strengthen ties with countries in South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, aiming to reduce economic dependence on China. It seeks to diversify Taiwan's economic and strategic partnerships, with India being a key focus. The New Southbound Policy, launched in 2016, represents a shift in Taiwan's foreign policy focus from China to the wider Indo-Pacific region. The policy seeks to reduce Taiwan's economic dependence on China and to build closer ties with countries that share its values and interests. The New Southbound Policy is driven by a number of factors, including Taiwan's concerns about China's growing assertiveness, its desire to diversify its economy, and its interest in promoting regional stability and security.

India is a key partner in Taiwan's New Southbound Policy. India's large and growing economy, its strategic location, and its democratic values make it an attractive partner for Taiwan. Taiwan has been investing heavily in India under the framework of the New Southbound Policy. Taiwanese companies have been investing in a variety of sectors in India, including electronics, manufacturing, and infrastructure. India and Taiwan have also been cooperating on issues such as education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The New Southbound Policy has provided a framework for India and Taiwan to strengthen their cooperation, despite the constraints of the One China Policy.

The India-Taipei Association (ITA) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) are the two main organizations facilitating unofficial relations between India and Taiwan. The India-Taipei Association (ITA) is India's representative office in Taipei, Taiwan, functioning as a de facto embassy. It facilitates unofficial diplomatic and economic relations between India and Taiwan. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) is Taiwan's representative office in India, functioning as a de facto embassy. It promotes bilateral relations in areas such as economy, trade, investment, media, tourism, and culture. These offices play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding India-Taiwan relations. They provide consular services to citizens of their respective countries, promote trade and investment, and facilitate cultural exchanges. They also serve as channels of communication between the two governments. The ITA and TECC are essential for maintaining India-Taiwan relations, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

The United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are two international organizations that are relevant to India-Taiwan relations. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN plays a significant role in maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. The UN's powers include setting international norms, peacekeeping operations, and providing a forum for diplomacy. However, the UN is limited by the veto power of permanent members of the Security Council. Taiwan is not a member of the UN due to China's opposition.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that regulates international trade. The WTO's role is to set trade rules and resolve trade disputes. The WTO is limited by member states' compliance. Taiwan is a member of the WTO under the name 'Chinese Taipei'. Taiwan's membership in the WTO is significant because it allows Taiwan to participate in the global trading system and to benefit from the rules-based trading order. However, Taiwan's participation in the WTO is also constrained by its status as 'Chinese Taipei'. This limits Taiwan's ability to fully participate in WTO activities and to advocate for its interests.

India's recognition of the PRC in 1950 is a key historical precedent that has shaped its relationship with Taiwan. This decision led to the cessation of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It established the historical context for India's adherence to the One China Policy. India's decision to recognize the PRC was driven by a number of factors, including its desire to align with the socialist bloc, its assessment that the PRC was the de facto government of China, and its belief that engaging with the PRC was essential for regional stability. This decision has had a lasting impact on India-Taiwan relations. It has constrained the scope and depth of India-Taiwan cooperation and has forced India to navigate a complex diplomatic landscape.

India's official position on Taiwan is that it adheres to the One China Policy while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan. India's underlying interests are balancing economic and strategic interests with China while fostering ties with Taiwan to enhance its Act East Policy. India's actions taken include maintaining trade relations, cultural exchanges, and allowing MPs to attend Taiwanese events unofficially. India's approach to Taiwan is driven by a pragmatic assessment of its interests. India recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable relationship with China, but it also sees value in engaging with Taiwan. India's engagement with Taiwan is primarily focused on economic and cultural issues. However, India is also increasingly aware of the strategic importance of Taiwan, particularly in the context of China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Taiwan's official position is that it seeks international recognition and support. Taiwan's underlying interests are gaining international legitimacy and diversifying economic and strategic partnerships to counter China's influence. Taiwan's actions taken include promoting the New Southbound Policy, engaging in trade and cultural exchanges, and seeking support from countries like India. Taiwan's approach to international relations is driven by its desire to maintain its de facto independence and to gain greater international recognition. Taiwan recognizes that it cannot compete with China in terms of size and influence, but it believes that it can leverage its economic and democratic strengths to build closer ties with other countries.

China's official position is that it insists on the One China Policy and opposes any official recognition of Taiwan. China's underlying interests are maintaining its territorial integrity and preventing Taiwan from gaining international legitimacy. China's actions taken include pressuring countries to adhere to the One China Policy and opposing any official interactions with Taiwan. China's approach to Taiwan is driven by its belief that Taiwan is a renegade province that must eventually be reunited with the mainland. China is willing to use a variety of tools, including diplomatic pressure, economic coercion, and military threats, to achieve this goal.

The broader implications of India's engagement with Taiwan are multifaceted. Politically, it may strain relations with China if perceived as a shift in India's One China Policy. Diplomatically, it strengthens unofficial ties with Taiwan and signals India's willingness to engage with Taiwan despite China's objections. Economically, it promotes trade and investment opportunities between India and Taiwan. Socially, it increases cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections. Security-wise, it enhances strategic cooperation with Taiwan, potentially impacting regional security dynamics.

Several related ongoing issues contextualize India-Taiwan relations, including India-China border disputes, China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan's quest for international recognition, and US-China relations. These issues create both opportunities and challenges for India-Taiwan cooperation. The historical connections between India and Taiwan, such as India's recognition of PRC in 1950 and the Cold War dynamics and India's Non-Aligned Movement, continue to shape the relationship. These historical factors have created a complex and nuanced relationship between India and Taiwan.

The future outlook for India-Taiwan relations is likely to involve continued unofficial engagement, with potential for increased economic and strategic cooperation. China will likely continue to monitor and object to any perceived official recognition of Taiwan by India. The future of India-Taiwan relations will depend on a number of factors, including the evolution of India-China relations, the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region, and the domestic political dynamics in both India and Taiwan. Despite the challenges, there is a strong basis for continued cooperation between India and Taiwan. Both countries share a commitment to democracy, a desire for economic growth, and a concern about China's growing assertiveness. As long as these factors remain in place, India and Taiwan are likely to continue to find ways to strengthen their ties.

The India-China border dispute is a long-standing issue that has significantly impacted the relationship between the two countries. The dispute involves several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China. The most significant areas of contention are Aksai Chin in the western sector and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector. The border dispute has led to several military clashes between India and China, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the recent standoff in Doklam in 2017 and Galwan Valley in 2020. The border dispute has created a climate of mistrust and suspicion between India and China, which has made it difficult for the two countries to cooperate on other issues. The border dispute also has implications for India-Taiwan relations. China views India's engagement with Taiwan as a challenge to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. China has warned India against strengthening its ties with Taiwan, arguing that it could undermine the stability of the region.

China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region is another key issue that is shaping India-Taiwan relations. China has been rapidly expanding its economic, military, and political influence in the Indo-Pacific region, which has raised concerns among many countries, including India and Taiwan. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive infrastructure development project that aims to connect China with countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The BRI has been criticized by some countries for its lack of transparency, its potential to create debt traps, and its potential to be used for strategic purposes. China's military buildup in the South China Sea has also raised concerns among its neighbors. China has been building artificial islands in the South China Sea and has been deploying military assets to these islands. This has led to increased tensions in the region. China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region has created new opportunities for India and Taiwan to strengthen their cooperation. Both countries share a common interest in maintaining a stable and balanced regional order.

Taiwan's quest for international recognition is a long-standing issue that has significantly impacted its relationship with the rest of the world. Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations and is not recognized by most countries as an independent state. This is due to China's insistence that Taiwan is a part of China and that countries that recognize Taiwan cannot maintain diplomatic relations with China. Taiwan has been working to gain greater international recognition, but its efforts have been consistently blocked by China. Taiwan's lack of international recognition has created a number of challenges for the island. It has made it difficult for Taiwan to participate in international organizations, to sign trade agreements, and to protect its interests in the international arena. Taiwan's quest for international recognition has implications for India-Taiwan relations. India has been supportive of Taiwan's efforts to gain greater international recognition, but it has also been careful not to provoke China. India has allowed Taiwan to maintain a representative office in New Delhi, but it has not recognized Taiwan as an independent state.

US-China relations are a major factor shaping the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and China are the two largest economies in the world, and their relationship has a significant impact on global trade, investment, and security. In recent years, US-China relations have become increasingly strained due to a number of factors, including trade disputes, human rights concerns, and geopolitical rivalry. The United States has been critical of China's trade practices, its human rights record, and its military buildup in the South China Sea. China has accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs and of trying to contain its rise. The deterioration in US-China relations has created new opportunities for India and Taiwan to strengthen their cooperation. Both countries share a common interest in countering China's growing influence.

India's recognition of the PRC in 1950 is a key historical event that has shaped its relationship with Taiwan. This decision led to the cessation of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It established the historical context for India's adherence to the One China Policy. India's decision to recognize the PRC was driven by a number of factors, including its desire to align with the socialist bloc, its assessment that the PRC was the de facto government of China, and its belief that engaging with the PRC was essential for regional stability. This decision has had a lasting impact on India-Taiwan relations. It has constrained the scope and depth of India-Taiwan cooperation and has forced India to navigate a complex diplomatic landscape.

The Cold War dynamics and India's Non-Aligned Movement are also important historical factors that have shaped India-Taiwan relations. During the Cold War, India pursued a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain equidistance from both the United States and the Soviet Union. This meant that India had limited engagement with Taiwan, which was aligned with the United States. The end of the Cold War and the rise of China as an economic and military power led India to re-evaluate its Taiwan policy. In the 1990s, India began to cautiously explore the possibility of strengthening its ties with Taiwan, driven by a combination of economic and strategic considerations.

The future of India-Taiwan relations will depend on a number of factors, including the evolution of India-China relations, the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region, and the domestic political dynamics in both India and Taiwan. Despite the challenges, there is a strong basis for continued cooperation between India and Taiwan. Both countries share a commitment to democracy, a desire for economic growth, and a concern about China's growing assertiveness. As long as these factors remain in place, India and Taiwan are likely to continue to find ways to strengthen their ties.

One possible scenario for the future of India-Taiwan relations is that the two countries will continue to expand their economic and cultural cooperation while maintaining their current level of political engagement. This would involve increasing trade and investment, promoting tourism and cultural exchanges, and cooperating on issues such as education and technology. However, India would likely continue to adhere to the One China Policy and would not establish formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This scenario would allow India and Taiwan to benefit from their growing cooperation without provoking China.

Another possible scenario is that India and Taiwan will gradually increase their political engagement, while still adhering to the One China Policy. This could involve increasing the frequency and level of official visits between the two countries, strengthening their security cooperation, and coordinating their policies on regional issues. This scenario would require India and Taiwan to carefully manage their relationship with China and to avoid taking any steps that could be seen as a challenge to China's territorial integrity.

A third possible scenario is that India and Taiwan will eventually establish formal diplomatic ties, despite China's objections. This scenario would be a significant departure from India's current policy and would likely lead to a sharp deterioration in India-China relations. However, this scenario could become more likely if China continues to become more assertive in the region and if India becomes more concerned about China's growing influence.

Ultimately, the future of India-Taiwan relations will depend on a complex interplay of factors. However, it is clear that the relationship between the two countries is evolving and that there is a growing potential for increased cooperation.