EVOLVING ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND TAIWAN IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION

India has the fourth-largest economy and military power in the World. On the other hand, Taiwan, a country of 23.3 million people, is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of technology and economy. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations, India and Taiwan established informal relations in 1995. Taiwan remains one of the most strategically and geographically important place in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. India is trying to strengthen its influence and ties in the region through the “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. Taiwan is growing in importance for trade, economy and its geopolitical location. The volume of trade between India and Taiwan has been steadily increasing. Trade, technology transfer and investment cooperation between the two countries open up new possibilities. India has a conflict with China over the Border issue; on the other hand, China and Taiwan have been at loggerheads since the 1950s, which has increased in recent times. In this case, Taiwan plays a key role in India’s “Counter China” policy. The relationship between the two countries plays an important role in shaping the geopolitical balance and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, study on this topic helps to strengthen the way for future cooperation by enriching policy-making and academic discussion. The objectives of this paper are to highlight the trade and strategic relations between India and Taiwan. And discuss the main obstacles and possibilities between the two countries. To analyse whether Taiwan can emerge as an important partner in East Asia in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The methodology of this study is largely based on analytical and descriptive. The primary sources collected from Government database, documents, reports and statement such as Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economic Affairs. Secondary sources collected from various books, articles, journals, periodicals and newspaper.