India-Taiwan relations facts for kids

The Republic of India (often called India) and Taiwan have become much closer friends since the 1990s. India has worked to build stronger ties with Taiwan in business and other important areas.

India and the People's Republic of China have had a tricky relationship, especially since a war in 1962. Because of this, India has slowly tried to work more with Taiwan. They want to boost trade and cooperation, even though they don't have official diplomatic relations (like having embassies).

Taiwan also sees India's growing importance in the world as a way to balance China's big influence in the region. India has a special plan called the "Look East" foreign policy. This plan helps India build strong connections with countries like Taiwan. They work together on things like trade, protecting the environment, and fighting against terrorism. Both countries want to grow their friendship to help with their own challenges with China.

To help people and businesses connect, the India-Taipei Association (ITA) opened an office in Taipei in 1995. This office helps with business, tourism, cultural exchanges, and even provides passport services. In 2002, India was the 28th country to sign an agreement with Taiwan to protect investments. This means it's safer for businesses to invest in each other's countries. In 2006, they created the Taiwan-India Cooperation Council to work together even more. Taiwan also wants to trade more with India to rely less on China for its economy. In 2007, Ma Ying-jeou, a major political leader from Taiwan, visited India.

Understanding India and Taiwan's Friendship

India and Taiwan are two important places in Asia. India is a very large country, and Taiwan is an island. Even though they are different, they have found many reasons to become friends and work together. This friendship has grown a lot over the past few decades.

Why India and Taiwan are Friends

One big reason for their friendship is how they both relate to China. India and China have had some disagreements in the past. Taiwan also has a complex relationship with China. Because of this, both India and Taiwan see value in supporting each other. They believe that working together can help balance out China's power in the region.

India's "Look East" policy is a plan to build strong connections with countries in East Asia, including Taiwan. This policy helps India grow its economy and its influence in the world. For Taiwan, trading more with India helps them spread out their business connections. This means they don't rely too much on just one country for their economy.

Working Together: Trade and More

India and Taiwan cooperate in many important areas. Trade is a big part of their friendship. They buy and sell many different goods and services from each other. This helps both their economies grow.

Beyond trade, they also work together on other global issues. For example, they discuss ways to protect the environment. They also share ideas and strategies to fight against terrorism. This shows that their friendship goes beyond just business.

Important Steps in Their Friendship

Over the years, India and Taiwan have taken specific steps to make their friendship stronger:

• 1995: The India-Taipei Association (ITA) office opened in Taiwan. This office helps people from both countries connect for business, travel, and cultural activities. It also helps with passports and other official documents.
• 2002: India signed an Investment Protection Agreement with Taiwan. This agreement makes it safer for businesses to invest money in each other's countries. It shows trust between them.
• 2006: The Taiwan-India Cooperation Council was created. This group helps plan and manage how India and Taiwan work together on different projects.
• 2007: A major political leader from Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, visited India. Even though it was an unofficial visit, it showed the growing interest in their relationship.

Images for kids

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  Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Song Meiling with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru

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  The Chiangs with Mahatma Gandhi in Calcutta in 1942