India's Shifting Stance on Taiwan

The rise of China and its perceived belligerence have heightened India&s;s security concerns in the Indo-Pacific. Guided by its policy of multi-alignment and strategic autonomy, India balances relations with three major powers: the United States as a strategic partner, China as a potential adversary, and Russia as a long-standing partner, as reflected in India&s;s stance on the Ukraine conflict. In this context, the chapter analyzes: (1) India&s;s view of the Indo-Pacific&s;s strategic importance; (2) the interplay of the US–China rivalry and strained India–China relations; and (3) India&s;s possible responses to a Taiwan Strait crisis. It argues that India has recalibrated its foreign policy over the past decade, adopting a more proactive stance, as evident in its growing engagement with Taiwan and concern for Taiwan Strait security. While continuing to diversify partnerships in the region through its multi-alignment policy, India maintains strategic autonomy to safeguard its interests.