India-Taiwan Relations: A Quest for Greater Partnership

Abstract

The post-Cold War has witnessed a profound shift in Indias policy towards Taiwan. This is evident from the fact while the two sides have not only established unofficial diplomatic-cum- economic ties with each other, New Delhi and Taipei have also developed cooperation in the fields of education, science & technology, agro-agricultural, automobile and others. Sure, the coming of the BJP-led government in India and the DPP government in Taiwan has further strengthened the ties between them. This is evident from the fact that the total trade volume between the two countries rose to $6.3 billion in 2017.[i] 

However, it is equally true that except these limited constrains, there are all the convergence of interests between India and Taiwan and enhanced bilateral ties will therefore tremendously benefit the two countries. However, surprisingly, a systematic effort has hardly been taken to understand the nature and future of India-Taiwan relationship. This is evident from the fact that there are a few books, edited volumes, research and newspapers articles: Ngeow Chow Being, Taiwans Go South Policy: Dvu All Over Again? Contemporary Southeast Asia, vol. 39, no. 1 (2017), pp. 96-126; Jagannath P. Panda, ed., India-Taiwan Relations in Asia and Beyond (New Delhi: Pentagon Press, 2016); Ranjit Gupta, Contemporary Taiwan Domestic Politics, External Relations and Indias Interests, (New Delhi: Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, April 2015); Tien-Sze Fang, India-Taiwan Relations: A Comprehensive Security Perspective, Geopolitics (New Delhi), vol. 30, October-December 2015.