New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) India regards Taiwan as an essential technology ally due to its status as a premier chip manufacturer. This collaboration in the semiconductor sector serves as a critical avenue for economic growth, technological progress, and strategic independence, according to a media report.

The Indian administration has actively engaged major Taiwanese firms for several years, yet there is a need for heightened awareness and interaction across various institutions, sectors, and policymaking bodies, as noted in the Taipei Times.

The article points out an encouraging initiative— a collaborative master's program in semiconductor technology involving four Taiwanese universities and the Indian Institute of Science. This program strengthens ties between Indian educational institutions and Taiwan's semiconductor industry. It is crucial to encourage Indian engineers and tech professionals to take part, facilitating the transfer of essential skills and knowledge that India requires.

In addition to educational efforts, India should explore the establishment of a Taiwan science park. This dedicated facility would draw Taiwanese businesses, promote structured and long-term partnerships, and symbolize India's commitment to enhancing its technological and industrial capabilities in collaboration with Taiwan, as highlighted in the article.

It suggests that India must overcome unwarranted hesitations and adopt a more assertive and consistent stance towards Taiwan. Increased consultations and dialogues are necessary. Where unofficial communication channels exist, Indian officials at all levels should engage. Ministries overseeing economics, technology, and trade must participate, with meetings held at least at the deputy ministerial level to ensure ongoing and effective collaboration. Parliamentary avenues should also be utilized to further Indian interests.

A specialized parliamentary committee focusing on Taiwan-India relations could ensure continuity, oversight, and strategic direction, making sure that engagement is intentional and enduring instead of sporadic and reactive, the article further elaborates.

The article critiques China’s growing assertiveness, citing an incident where an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained and harassed at a Shanghai airport, targeted solely because China claims her state as its own. This was followed by a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserting that China has never acknowledged Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan.

The piece underscores that India cannot afford to be passive in its relations with China. This is not about seeking confrontation; it is about affirming India’s priorities, safeguarding its sovereignty, protecting strategic interests, and recalibrating its regional stance. If India continues to approach Taiwan with excessive caution, it risks missing crucial opportunities to strengthen its position in the evolving power dynamics of Asia.

Additionally, it notes that some Indian states have been proactively engaging with Taiwan, yielding positive outcomes in terms of commercial and technological cooperation. However, beyond these localized advancements, substantial results remain limited.