Expert: Geopolitical restructuring finds new opportunities, India-Taiwan cooperation heats up [Exclusive]
Amid rapidly shifting global power dynamics, relations between India and Taiwan are quietly warming up, evolving from economic exchanges to strategic partnerships, particularly in semiconductors and tech.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 16:20
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(CNA Reporter Lee Chin-wei, New Delhi, 21st) Amid the rapid shift in the global power landscape, relations between India and Taiwan are quietly warming up. In an exclusive interview with CNA, Jayadeva Ranade, Director of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS), an Indian think tank, stated that amidst intensifying US-China competition and the restructuring of the international order, cooperation between India and Taiwan not only holds economic significance but also increasingly reveals its strategic value.
Ranade told the CNA reporter that the world is currently at a critical turning point. With China's rise to become the world's second-largest power and its potential to challenge the US's leading position, countries are adjusting their foreign policies to adapt to new power balances. It is under these circumstances that India and Taiwan are seeking closer interaction.
Ranade pointed out that India has long pursued the principle of strategic autonomy, not fully aligning with any major power. Whether regarding the US or China, India tends to keep a certain distance. Within this framework, relations between India and Taiwan have paradoxically shown steady growth.
"No matter how the international situation changes, relations between India and Taiwan continue to advance, especially in fields like economy and technology," Ranade said.
He mentioned that at the core of India-Taiwan cooperation is the semiconductor industry. As India actively promotes domestic chip production and technological upgrades, Taiwan's pivotal role in the chip supply chain makes it a key element for bilateral cooperation.
Ranade admitted that India originally hoped for deeper cooperation with leading Taiwanese companies like TSMC, but progress has been slower than expected. Nevertheless, Indian companies have already begun collaborating with several Taiwanese manufacturers to produce chips. "We are building our own capacity (to produce chips), and it is foreseeable that India will begin mass-producing (domestic) chips in the coming years."
Besides semiconductors, India's consumer electronics industry is another area with great potential. Given India's massive market and growing demand for consumer electronics, Taiwanese companies—possessing considerable advantages in technology and quality—will find this a crucial field for collaboration with India.
Taking a Taiwanese computer brand as an example, Ranade noted that Indian consumers generally have a positive impression of Taiwanese brands. They just need to adjust their pricing and marketing strategies to counter the low-price competition from Chinese brands. "Therefore, consumer electronics is definitely an entry point where India and Taiwan can deepen cooperation."
In shipbuilding and basic industries, Ranade believes India has geographical and labor advantages, while Taiwan leads in technology and experience. If resources from both sides can be integrated, they can jointly play a more important role in the regional supply chain.
In terms of educational and cultural exchanges, Ranade noted an increasing number of Indian students going to Taiwan to learn Mandarin. He believes that compared to China, Taiwan holds an advantage in traditional culture and language teaching, helping students understand deeper cultural aspects. "This is not just language learning; it is cultural exchange," he emphasized.
Regarding regional security, Ranade observed that a "controllable balance" is currently maintained across the Taiwan Strait. While China is unlikely to launch full-scale military action against Taiwan in the short term, it is expected to apply pressure through economic and other means. However, a certain degree of cross-strait exchange will continue to prevent the situation from spinning out of control.
Ranade frankly stated that for India, Taiwan's strategic location and economic value cannot be ignored. Situated on critical shipping routes and being irreplaceable in the high-tech industry, Taiwan holds an important position in the region.
Ranade expressed optimism about the future of India-Taiwan relations. He believes the two sides are highly complementary in both hardware and software across various fields, and the foundation for cooperation has been gradually laid. "This relationship will not only continue but will deepen further."
Ranade concluded that amid global supply chain restructuring and rising geopolitical tensions, India-Taiwan cooperation is gradually shifting from pure economic exchange to a partnership with strategic implications. For both sides, this is not just an opportunity but a long-term layout that requires continuous effort.
Ranade is a well-known Indian expert on strategic and security issues, long focusing on Chinese politics, military, and foreign policy research. With over 30 years of experience in the intelligence apparatus, he transitioned to think tanks after retirement. During his tenure as the Director of the CCAS, he continues to track China's domestic development and international strategic movements. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150421
Ranade told the CNA reporter that the world is currently at a critical turning point. With China's rise to become the world's second-largest power and its potential to challenge the US's leading position, countries are adjusting their foreign policies to adapt to new power balances. It is under these circumstances that India and Taiwan are seeking closer interaction.
Ranade pointed out that India has long pursued the principle of strategic autonomy, not fully aligning with any major power. Whether regarding the US or China, India tends to keep a certain distance. Within this framework, relations between India and Taiwan have paradoxically shown steady growth.
"No matter how the international situation changes, relations between India and Taiwan continue to advance, especially in fields like economy and technology," Ranade said.
He mentioned that at the core of India-Taiwan cooperation is the semiconductor industry. As India actively promotes domestic chip production and technological upgrades, Taiwan's pivotal role in the chip supply chain makes it a key element for bilateral cooperation.
Ranade admitted that India originally hoped for deeper cooperation with leading Taiwanese companies like TSMC, but progress has been slower than expected. Nevertheless, Indian companies have already begun collaborating with several Taiwanese manufacturers to produce chips. "We are building our own capacity (to produce chips), and it is foreseeable that India will begin mass-producing (domestic) chips in the coming years."
Besides semiconductors, India's consumer electronics industry is another area with great potential. Given India's massive market and growing demand for consumer electronics, Taiwanese companies—possessing considerable advantages in technology and quality—will find this a crucial field for collaboration with India.
Taking a Taiwanese computer brand as an example, Ranade noted that Indian consumers generally have a positive impression of Taiwanese brands. They just need to adjust their pricing and marketing strategies to counter the low-price competition from Chinese brands. "Therefore, consumer electronics is definitely an entry point where India and Taiwan can deepen cooperation."
In shipbuilding and basic industries, Ranade believes India has geographical and labor advantages, while Taiwan leads in technology and experience. If resources from both sides can be integrated, they can jointly play a more important role in the regional supply chain.
In terms of educational and cultural exchanges, Ranade noted an increasing number of Indian students going to Taiwan to learn Mandarin. He believes that compared to China, Taiwan holds an advantage in traditional culture and language teaching, helping students understand deeper cultural aspects. "This is not just language learning; it is cultural exchange," he emphasized.
Regarding regional security, Ranade observed that a "controllable balance" is currently maintained across the Taiwan Strait. While China is unlikely to launch full-scale military action against Taiwan in the short term, it is expected to apply pressure through economic and other means. However, a certain degree of cross-strait exchange will continue to prevent the situation from spinning out of control.
Ranade frankly stated that for India, Taiwan's strategic location and economic value cannot be ignored. Situated on critical shipping routes and being irreplaceable in the high-tech industry, Taiwan holds an important position in the region.
Ranade expressed optimism about the future of India-Taiwan relations. He believes the two sides are highly complementary in both hardware and software across various fields, and the foundation for cooperation has been gradually laid. "This relationship will not only continue but will deepen further."
Ranade concluded that amid global supply chain restructuring and rising geopolitical tensions, India-Taiwan cooperation is gradually shifting from pure economic exchange to a partnership with strategic implications. For both sides, this is not just an opportunity but a long-term layout that requires continuous effort.
Ranade is a well-known Indian expert on strategic and security issues, long focusing on Chinese politics, military, and foreign policy research. With over 30 years of experience in the intelligence apparatus, he transitioned to think tanks after retirement. During his tenure as the Director of the CCAS, he continues to track China's domestic development and international strategic movements. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150421