As China’s aggressive posturing intensifies, India is strategically aligning closer to Taiwan through enhanced ASEAN collaborations. Key developments include a fresh Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai and active Taiwanese involvement at the Raisina Dialogue in the capital.
Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has revitalized the Act East Policy, forging unprecedented bonds with Southeast Asian countries over the last ten years. Defense and security ties with ASEAN have seen marked acceleration compared to past governments.
Observers recommend that India work with regional allies to elevate Taiwan’s contributions to economic, administrative, and security dialogues. Expanding defense engagements in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and beyond affirm India’s pivotal role in Indo-Pacific stability.
The establishment of HAL’s first regional office in Malaysia exemplifies India’s expanding military presence. For Taiwan, grappling with Beijing’s threats, these initiatives promise balanced approaches to secure the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
India’s non-committal stance on the ‘One China’ principle, paired with broadened ASEAN partnerships, promotes strategic independence. It bolsters other nations in challenging Chinese hegemony, positioning Taiwan centrally in security discourses.
A destabilized Taiwan Strait risks broader maritime disruptions and heightened Chinese pressure on neighbors. Proposals urge India and Southeast Asia to include Taiwan in multilateral platforms and naval drills.
Leveraging Taiwan’s cyber defense expertise could shield India and ASEAN from attacks on key assets. Following Taiwan’s presence at the AI Impact Summit, urgent calls arise for robust bilateral frameworks to strengthen collective defenses.