Over the past couple of years, the geopolitics of the globe have altered very rapidly and dramatically with various events that have been witnessed by the world such

Over the past couple of years, the geopolitics of the globe have altered very rapidly and dramatically with various events that have been witnessed by the world such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the US-China trade war, Brexit, Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Gaza conflict. In the last five years, these events have served as factors in altering global dynamics, resulting in the formation of new alliances and trade blocs, while also reinforcing existing alliances. The partnership between China and Pakistan, as well as the alliance between India and Taiwan, exemplify the bloc alliances.

South Asia: A Historical Relationship? Or a new one under development

In the last five years, the globe has seen a significant and rapid transformation; however, this does not apply to the South Asia. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a global standstill, South Asia has seen significant transformation over the 

, characterized by intense rivalry among neighboring nations. In the South Asia region, it was not the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted change, but rather a succession of events that occurred previously to the pandemic. The increased tension between India and China since 2020 regarding the LAC conflict, the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan, the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka's economic crisis, political instability in Nepal, regional economic disparity, the ineffectiveness of SAARC due to intensified India-Pakistan tensions, and the escalating threat of Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, all contribute to the risk of conflict escalation. These events have distinctly transformed these nations compared to their status a decade ago; however, amidst such instability, various countries in the region have managed to enhance their relationships and achieve greater prosperity than previously. The intersection of China-Pakistan and India and Taiwan exemplifies this phenomenon well.

China and Pakistan: A Unidirectional or Bidirectional Route?

In the last two decades after the 9/11 and 26/11 attacks occurred. Pakistan has been subjected to ongoing and persistent monitoring by many Western nations. The Islamic country has been recognized as a breeding ground for several terrorists throughout the years, who have perpetrated different assaults worldwide. Consequently, in recent years, various countries around the globe have shown their unwillingness to support or aid Pakistan in any way. Due to which, currently, there are very few countries that are willing to assist Pakistan today, or in its time of need. China which over the past decades have been the constant umbrella for Pakistan during any bad weather by willing to aid the country, whether it be human aid or increase of exports of defense products. Over the years, the relationship between the two nations has evolved into a substantial partnership, characterized by the continuous sale of defense items from China. In the past 4 years, 2019 to 2023, almost 80% of Pakistan's defense imports originated from China. This partnership has been beneficial for both 

, since the direct shipment of weaponry to Pakistan provides cash for Chinese manufacturers and facilitates the completion of their projects in Pakistan within a safe and protected framework. Over the years, China has used its many projects in Pakistan to establish a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean via seven South Asian ports and 17 more ports in the Indian Ocean. Experts assert that the connection between the two states is more beneficial for China than for Pakistan. It may be said that without Pakistan, China would have struggled to assert its supremacy in the Indian Ocean and would have encountered several challenges in initiating its highly anticipated project, the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor).  

India-Taiwan Relationship: A source of solace or a supportive ally?

Over a decade has elapsed since China launched its most significant initiative, the CPEC; since then, China's global footprint has expanded, with several nations preferring its assistance over that of Western peers. Latin American countries exemplify the pursuit of aid from China throughout the years. The rise of China's global influence has been advantageous not just for China but also for smaller nations that have received assistance from China over the years. Nonetheless, with the increasing growth, China's antagonistic stance towards nations such as India and Taiwan has also intensified. Currently, China exhibits more confidence in demonstrating its physical force rather than using diplomatic measures concerning India and Taiwan. Over the years, India and Taiwan have consistently been targets of China, however ties between India and China have improved after a significant four-year period since the LAC (Line of Actual Control) battle. However, this has not been the case for the island country of Taiwan. Since 2020, China has significantly boosted its demonstration of hard might by repeatedly violating the maritime limits of island nations and intruding into Taiwan's airspace. Both countries have been victims of Chinese hostility for many years, which analysts say has only intensified over time. It might be said that China's persistent intimidation has facilitated the rapprochement between New Delhi and Taipei. It has been almost 30 years since both nations have maintained an unofficial connection. The bilateral connection between the two nations has significantly enhanced throughout the years. Currently, both nations comprehend each other's predicament, as they seek to address the issues that China has presented to them over the years. The expanding China-Pakistan alliance and the escalation of defence agreements between the two nations have emerged as significant concerns for both India and Taiwan. The recent procurement of J-35A stealth fighters by Pakistan has intensified India's apprehensions, prompting India to contemplate involving Taiwan in its AMCA program. 

The J-35A or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Program

The evolving geopolitics of South Asia may indicate a probable change in the balance of power in the region. Numerous sources suggest that Pakistan is on the verge of obtaining the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter from China. The transfer of weaponry has elicited concerns not just in New Delhi but also in Taipei. Pakistan's procurement of the J-35A is not alone an enhancement of its aerial capabilities but also a pivotal factor in augmenting the operational proficiency of its air force, since the J-35A is designed for both air superiority and strike operations. This purchase may confer technical supremacy upon Pakistan. The transfer of military systems has generated concerns for both India and Taiwan. The successful transfer of weaponry from China to Pakistan might initiate a new phase in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This agreement would enhance China's influence on Islamabad and bolster the defence relations between the two nations. This agreement may enhance China's clout over Pakistan, enabling it to sway future negotiations and affect Pakistan's actions in strategically significant areas, such as the Indian Ocean Region and the Kashmir issue. This agreement adversely affects not just India but also Taiwan, which is already under increased military pressure from China in the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues to augment its stockpile of armaments. A strengthened partnership between Pakistan and China may establish a concerning precedent for China, as its use of military technology to sway similarly aligned states, such as Pakistan, in proximity to Taiwan might facilitate more surveillance of the island country. India has been concentrating on the development of the 

 (AMCA) project, which is deemed essential for the country's 'Make in India' initiative. This initiative aims to facilitate the creation of fifth-generation fighters with superior capabilities to exceed fourth-generation aircraft and to compete with global standards. The China-Pakistan military alliance elicits concerns on the timeliness and effectiveness of India's response. The strengthening partnership between Islamabad and Beijing may further alter regional power dynamics, presenting new challenges for New Delhi in both strategic and operational domains. Notwithstanding the apprehensions, this situation offers a significant opportunity for India and Taiwan to enhance their defense collaboration. Through the amalgamation of their resources and technological expertise, both nations may address shared security concerns and provide a geopolitical counterweight to the China-Pakistan alliance.

Over the years, India has pursued a strategy of self-reliance in the defense industry, transitioning from a defense importer to a defense exporter to assume a more significant position in the Indo-Pacific region and counter China's growing influence. The partnership with Taiwan in the AMCA project will significantly transform the nation. Taiwan's expertise in advanced technologies, such as semiconductors and complex electronics, aligns with India's goal of enhancing its domestic defense capabilities via the 'Make in India' initiative. 

While this engagement with the Taiwan Government may benefit India, it will also complicate matters for the nation and possibly exacerbate India's relationship with China, a point that cannot be disregarded. China has articulated its views and apprehensions on the strengthening friendship between India and Taiwan throughout the years. China has consistently urged India to comply with the One-China policy and to refrain from further provocation, thus any action by India may exacerbate tensions and result in diplomatic and economic consequences, potentially complicating Sino-Indian relations. Consequently, India must exercise utmost caution in managing the situation.

New Delhi's initiative to enhance its connection with Taipei is a significant opportunity for the nation and will undoubtedly yield ramifications for India. Nevertheless, as seen during the last six years, India has experienced a considerable transformation in its foreign policy. The shift seen in New Delhi's ability to navigate complex global dynamics while maintaining national interests without succumbing to external pressures. In recent years, India, which once adhered to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), has transitioned to a more pragmatic and multilateral stance, prioritizing its own interests. A prime illustration of this is when, during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, India was among the few nations that did not succumb to the Western powers' trend of boycotting Russia. India successfully fortified its connections with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for a peaceful resolution at national and international forums, whilst preserving amicable and robust ties with the USA. Consequently, India can adopt a similar approach; however, regarding Beijing, New Delhi must maintain open diplomatic channels and remain receptive to dialogue. As previously stated, the opportunity with Taiwan represents a pivotal moment for the nation to enhance its defense collaboration and objectives by consolidating resources and technological expertise. This may assist both nations in strategically counterbalancing China's regional ambitions, and if India leverages its diplomatic acumen and prioritizes its strategic autonomy, it can enhance its relations with Taiwan while mitigating the risks of tension with Beijing.

India-Taiwan Strategic Collaboration: Countering the China-Pakistan Alliance and Strengthening Self-Reliance in South Asia

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