It did not spell out the One-China policy, and instead said that the government’s “relevant” policies are “well-known and consistent” and “do not require reiteration”.
In its first statement since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei 10 days ago which angered China and led to PLA military drills, India on Friday called for “exercise of restraint” and to avoid “unilateral actions to change (the) status quo” over Taiwan.
It did not spell out the One-China policy, and instead said that the government’s “relevant” policies are “well-known and consistent” and “do not require reiteration”.
Responding to questions on India’s talks with NATO, Arindam Bachi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “India and NATO have kept in touch in Brussels at different levels for quite some time now. This is part of our contacts with various stakeholders on global issues of mutual interest.”
The Indian Express reported Thursday that New Delhi held its first political dialogue with NATO in Brussels on December 12, 2019. The talks were attended by senior officials including from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.
To questions on the Taiwan issue, Bagchi said, “Like many other countries, India too is concerned at recent developments. We urge the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change status quo, de-escalation of tensions and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.”
On the question of the One-China policy, the MEA spokesperson said, “India’s relevant policies are well-known and consistent. They do not require reiteration.”
India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan yet as it adheres to the One-China policy.
Without naming China, New Delhi also called Beijing’s blocking of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Abdul Rauf Azhar as a global terrorist as “unfortunate”.
Referred to as Abdul Rauf Asghar in UN documents, he is the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and deputy chief of the proscribed terror group.
“We note with regret that a ‘technical hold’ has been placed on the listing proposal for Abdul Rauf Asghar. It is unfortunate that when it comes to our collective battle against terrorism, the international community has been unable to speak in one common voice,” Bagchi said.
