India has affirmed its recognition of Taiwan as part of China after nearly 17 years of silence, a move analysts describe as a “marriage of inconvenience” aimed at appeasing Beijing while pressuring Washington amid growing trade frictions.  The declaration came during the 24th round of boundary talks where Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

A statement issued by Beijing quoted Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as telling Wang that India “regards Taiwan as a part of China” and seeks a cooperative relationship.  Observers note that India’s sudden shift is not rooted in principle but in expediency. On the one hand, New Delhi remains deeply tied to the U.S. camp through the Quad and Indo-Pacific strategy, where Washington openly supports Taiwan.

On the other hand, mounting tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), dependence on Chinese imports, and the need to ease border hostilities have compelled India to bow before Beijing’s demands. Strategic experts say New Delhi is also attempting to use this diplomatic gesture as leverage against U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pressuring India with tariff hikes and trade restrictions.

By conceding to Beijing on Taiwan, India is signaling to Washington that it retains room for maneuver and will not act as an unquestioning ally.  The development, analysts add, highlights India’s duplicity—loudly asserting claims over Jammu and Kashmir while quietly conceding to China’s sensitivities over Taiwan, exposing the contradictions in its foreign policy. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)