India is considering alternative actions to a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, following questions from the US on how the South Asian nation might respond in the case of a war, as stated by senior government officials.
According to sources, a study would evaluate several war scenarios and propose solutions for India in case of such a war.
India’s Potential Reactions to a China-Taiwan War
Defence Chief General Anil Chauhan, India’s top military commander, commissioned a study about six weeks ago to examine the wider impact of any war over the island involving the US and its allies, and what action India could take in response, sources confirmed.
Some Indian military officers believe that strong statements may suffice as a reaction if the battle is short; but this would not be adequate if the war stretches on like Russia’s war in Ukraine, the officials said.
Officials reported that one option for the Indian military would be to serve as a logistical centre, providing repair and maintenance facilities for allied warships, aircraft, food, gasoline, and medical equipment for forces resisting China.
Furthermore, officials warned that India might be considering another extreme scenario, which would include the possibility of India being directly engaged along their northern border, perhaps opening up a new arena of war for China.
India’s preparedness for a possible conflict over Taiwan shows how its “multi-alignment” policy would be tested if US-China relations deteriorate drastically.
India, China Relations
Tensions between India and China have risen along their disputed Himalayan border, leading to deteriorating ties, which among other things, may have persuaded Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip this weekend’s G20 meeting in New Delhi.
India and China have mobilised thousands of troops, artillery pieces, tanks, and missiles closer to the unmarked border, which runs around 3,500 km (2,200 miles), nearly the length of the US-Mexico border.
Diplomatic negotiations have had little result, with China issuing a new map last month claiming India-controlled territory, which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called “absurd.”
Impact on India in Possible China-Taiwan War
According to a recent Economist Intelligence Unit assessment, India would be extremely vulnerable in case of a conflict in Taiwan due to its significant economic and geopolitical vulnerabilities. However, the impact on India would be smaller than that on comparable regional economies.
As per the report, India has a major territorial issue with China and is a geopolitical swing state. Due to these geopolitical circumstances, India could restrict some of the economic consequences of the battle.
Indian Military Weighing Options in Case China Invades Taiwan: Report
India’s “multi-alignment” policy would be tested if US-China relations were to deteriorate drastically, culminating in a conflict over Taiwan.
September 8, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: EPA-EFETaiwanese military personnel train at a military camp in Taitung, Taiwan, in January 2022.