When Bharat talks about its Look East policy, Taiwan should be the first country with which it should elevate its relationship to new heights. The biggest commonality between the two countries is their robust and vibrant democratic systems. If roadmap of future engagement between the two countries is drawn, one will find umpteen number of areas in which cooperation can be achieved and which can immensely benefit people of both the countries.
In the past, relations between the two countries have been influenced by Bharat’s accedence to One China Policy. In diplomatic terrain, no policy remains permanent; it should be recalibrated and assessed periodically. Further, in respect of Indo-China relations, owing to China’s explicit support to the terrorist regime of Pakistan, Bharat is left with no option but to strengthen its ties with all the neighbours of China with whom the said country has differences; more so with Taiwan. China has not reconciled with the existence of Taiwan since the year 1949 and keeps on looking for opportunities to take over this democratic country.
Further, in the light of recent 4 day Indo-Pak war, it has been discovered that majority of air defence systems, fighter jets and missiles deployed by Pakistan were of Chinese origin. India very successfully negotiated with the entire war paraphernalia of Pakistan and caused extensive damage to its military infrastructure. Bharat’s experience of the conflict can very well be shared with Taiwan who is apprehending coercive actions from China. At the same time Taiwan’s technological prowess can very well be utilised in Make in India programme of Bharat.
There are fields galore in which cooperation between the two countries can be taken to new levels. First step is the creation of goodwill in both countries for each other. Governments can play their roles but, in order to benefit each other, people of both the countries will have to take the cudgels on their shoulders. Following are the areas in which engagements can take place. TRADE.
Taiwan is the cornerstone of the global semiconductor supply chain, especially for leading-edge chips. Its technological leadership, skilled workforce, and robust supply chain make it indispensable to the modern tech world. Already, Bharat’s Tata Electronics has entered into a landmark agreement with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to build India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. This could be just the beginning; in future, many such joint ventures are in the offing. Taiwan specialises in manufacturing precision machine tools which have high demand in the Bhartiya manufacturing sector. Bharat is a leading nation in software technologies whereas Taiwan produces hardware components; synergy can very well be achieved.
Bharat today is not only self-sufficient in production of food grains, it is emerging as a leading exporter also of the same. In the field of millets also new initiatives are being taken and the same can be exported to Taiwan.Bharat can become the main exporter of organic food also to Taiwan. Bharat is a leading producer of generic medicines which can find a good market there. In the sphere of textiles, a large amount of exports can take place; especially in sportswear.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is the field in which, owing to the available talent in both the countries, relations will attain new heights. Cooperation between India and Taiwan in technology can be deep, strategic, and mutually beneficial. Both countries have complementary strengths—Taiwan in hardware, electronics, and manufacturing; India in software, services, and skilled talent.
Being a leading nation in production of Semiconductors, Taiwan can very well start joint production facilities in Bharat. Artificial Intelligence is another field where a high level of synergy
can be attained. Demand of Electrical Vehicles in Bharat is rapidly growing; here also Taiwanese companies can play an important role. Taiwanese firms are actively shifting parts of their chains from China to India, with FDI exceeding US $665 million over the past 5 years—industries include mobile assembly, footwear, and semiconductors.
Bharat’s progress in telecommunications is very rapid; after 5G, R&D in 6G is in an advanced stage. The two countries have lot to share in the said field.
Defence
Defence is the field in which deep strategic needs of both the countries are involved. Taiwan, for long has been endeavouring to thwart hegemonistic designs of China; the latter is not at all reconciled with the existence of the former and wants to capture it sooner than later. In the scenario of kinetic action by China, Taiwan will be needing a robust, dependable and tested defence mechanism.
At present, its arsenal consists of mainly USA made equipment. However, the perfect antidotes to the Chinese weapon systems has been developed by Bharat.
Though, at present a majority of air defence paraphernalia is imported by Bharat but indigenous development of the same is progressing at a fast pace owing to the dual China-Pakistan threat. In the recent 4 days war between Bharat and Pakistan, indigenously developed weapon systems have proved their mettle. It is noteworthy that Pakistan had launched approximately 1000 drones and UAVs and umpteen numbers of missiles on Bharat, but, owing to the latter’s robust air defence mechanism, all the projectiles were either electronically neutralised or intercepted midair successfully. Bharat’s indigenously developed Akash Teer SAM system played an important role in the same and many countries have started making enquiries to purchase it.
Similarly, Bharat’s Brahmos missile has been instrumental in destroying airfields in Pakistan and could not be intercepted by the Chinese supplied HQ-9 defence system deployed by Pakistan. The air to air version of the missile can be lethal against the Chinese aircrafts and the air to surface one can thwart the Chinese attempts of amphibian landings on the Taiwanese shores.
At present, China’s PLA has already inducted J-20 stealth fighter plane in its inventory and shortly will induct J-35 stealth fighter also. Bharat has been working on counter measures which can be shared with friendly countries including Taiwan. On its part, Bharat has already inducted indigenously made 4th generation Tejas fighter in Its armed forces and is working feverishly on 5th generation stealth aircraft AMCA. Both have been designed to counter the Chinese threats and in future can be offered to Taiwan also.
Tourism
Tourism is the sector in which Bharat has unlimited destinations to offer to the Taiwanese people. Additional benefit is the generation of goodwill between the two people of the respective countries. Bharat is among few countries which offers diverse tourist attractions to the rest of the world.
Entire Himalayan stretch from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh is full of scenic mountains, picturesque valleys, exquisite flora and fauna and tranquil rivers; very few places in the world can match this beauty. Western part of Bharat like Rajasthan offers heritage destinations complete with historical forts and palaces. The Thar Desert offers a variety of activities for tourists, including camel safaris, dune bashing, cultural experiences, and exploring
historical sites like Jaisalmer Fort. One can also enjoy stargazing, camping under the stars, and experiencing the local culture with cultural performances and food.
Bharat’s beautiful beaches can be explored in Goa and on its eastern coast. Southern Bharat offers spiritual experience with its ancient temples and backwaters of Kerala.
If Bharat’s tour operators can design comfortable and economical packages, it can be surmised that people from Taiwan will very happily chose Bharat as their next tourist destination.
Culture
When cultural ties between two countries are established, long term relations are consolidated and in turn they benefit all other sectors of mutual engagement. In a way, if two countries are culturally engaged, grounds for imports, exports and technology transfers, are created and help in creation of a positive environment for above said activities.
Bharat is the birthplace of Buddhism; message of peace and coexistence went from this soil, including east and Southeast Asia, to the rest of the world. In Taiwan, a large percentage of the population practices Buddhism and the other two major faiths, Confucianism and Taoism are in perfect harmony with it. Cultural ambassadors can visit each other’s country and can showcase their rich heritage.
Dance and drama troupes from both the countries should visit each other and help create cultural bonding. Student exchange programmes have been very successful in creating knowledge about culture and traditions of the visited country; in the context of Bharat and Taiwan, governments of both the countries should take initiatives in this direction. Further, documentary films are the best means to showcase the history, traditions and culture of a particular country; a positive effort in this regard can go a long way in bringing people of both the countries closer.
Governments of both the countries can create platforms which can be used by non-profit organisations to take the relations further.
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