New Delhi- In response to discreet inquiries from the United States regarding its role in the event of a conflict between China and Taiwan, India has initiated a comprehensive study to assess its potential contributions. Defense Chief General Anil Chauhan, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, commissioned this study approximately six weeks ago. This move comes as the United States raised the issue in various diplomatic forums, signaling growing concerns over the stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The study aims to evaluate different scenarios of a potential conflict over Taiwan and explore India’s options in such a situation. While some military leaders suggest that strong statements may suffice for a brief conflict, a prolonged war, akin to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, demands more concrete plans.
India’s proactive stance on preparing for a potential conflict over Taiwan underscores its “multi-alignment” policy, a strategy that balances close ties with the United States while refraining from joining international sanctions against Russia.
Tensions between India and China have also escalated along their disputed Himalayan border, further straining relations. India has recently strengthened its defense ties with the United States, becoming a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a coalition of democratic nations seeking to counter China’s expanding influence.
Among the options India will consider is the possibility of serving as a logistical hub, providing repair and maintenance facilities for allied warships and aircraft, as well as supplying essential resources to forces resisting China. More extreme scenarios involve direct Indian involvement along the northern border, potentially opening a new front in the conflict.
While there is no set deadline for completing the study, the Indian military has received orders to expedite the process. The options developed will be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders for a final decision if the need arises.
Both the Defense and Foreign ministries declined to comment, and the U.S. State Department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has criticized the United States for hyping the Taiwan issue and creating tensions, calling it “highly dangerous.”
The situation along the disputed border between India and China remains precarious, with both nations deploying substantial military assets in close proximity. Diplomatic negotiations have yielded limited progress, exacerbating tensions.
India, despite exploring military options, is unlikely to directly engage in a war over Taiwan, according to Lisa Curtis, a senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security. Instead, India may offer access to strategic locations such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in Southeast Asia.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community closely watches how India’s “multi-alignment” policy will navigate these turbulent waters.
Bloomberg