As part of the ongoing India-Taiwan Relations series by TheNews21, UNESCO Peace Chair Madhav Das Nalapat shares his observations on the relations between the two nations, while directing that the island nation under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen presents an opportunity to be grasped
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New Delhi:
TheNews21: What is your reaction on China’s attempt to muzzle media freedom in India – on the coverage of Taiwan?
Madhav Nalapat: This shows how little the Chinese Embassy understands the mood in India.
TheNews21: There was an uproad on social media on Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s tweet wishing Beijing on its Foundation Day, while maintaining public silence on President Tsai’s birthday and even on birthday of Dalai Lama?
Madhav Nalapat: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar gave a standard and characteristically polite response as People’s Republic of Chin(PRC)a is a P-5 member of the United Nations Security Council. As for Taiwan, India will follow the example of European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
TheNews21: Does this social media post suggest India agreeing to ‘one-China policy’?
Madhav Nalapat: His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet is an honoured guest who is given every courtesy due to a religious leader of his global stature. As for Taiwan, while India accepts the ‘One-China policy’, there is to my recollection no record of ever including Taiwan in the definition of ‘One China’, unlike Russia, Pakistan and other PRC allies.
TheNews21: You had brought President Tsai to India in 2012 and in an interview you had not only hoped for ‘vigorous engagements’ between New Delhi and Taipei but also pinned ‘ development of truly strong relationships’ between the two nations. How different is the current scenario since then?
Madhav Nalapat: The current scenario is much better than in the past. Both sides are multiplying contacts with each other, and in this, the Representatives of Taiwan and India have played an important role.
TheNews21: Your analysis on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach towards China and Taiwan?
Madhav Nalapat: PM Modi will never compromise on national security, unlike some of his predecessors. As for Taiwan, the Government of India has developed ties much more during his tenure in office than at any time since former PM Narasimha Rao normalised ties during his tenure.
TheNews21: How do you view the current India-Taiwan relations?
Madhav Nalapat: The Taiwanese companies have woken up to the potential represented by India as a market and as an investment destination. Taiwanese investment has gone up several times more in the previous four years than in the past.
TheNews21: In 2012, while talking about India-Taiwan partnership you had suggested Bilateral Free Trade Agreement’, would you still consider making inroads in this direction? Or should it be replaced with tailored-made or sector-specific deals’?
Madhav Nalapat: A de facto free trade pact in my view is likely during Modi 2.0
TheNews21: Is it viable for India to keep playing the Taiwan Card in the present scheme of things in the region?
Madhav Nalapat: Taiwan is not a card to be played. It is an opportunity to be grasped.
