The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
REPORT
On 04th August 2023, the Center for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3), United Service Institution (USI) of India organised final presentation by Gp Capt. Aseem Dogra, Senior Research fellow, CS3, on “India’s One China Policy: Need for a Change”. Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria, VSM (Retd), Director, CS3, delivered the Introductory Remarks. Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, USI, was his guide and Maj Gen Vivek Sehgal, VSM (Retd) Distinguished Fellow, CLAWS, was the External Discussant. Following the presentation, an interactive Q&A round was held to allow the participants to further delve into the topic. The concluding remarks were given by Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria, VSM (Retd), Director, CS3. The event was attended by distinguished serving and retired officers of the Armed forces.
Key Take Aways
· One China Policy
The scholar focused on India's One China Policy and the need to reevaluate it. He also provided an overview of One China, both from People’s Republic of China (PRC) and from Taiwan’s perspective and the various perceptional nuances.
· India’s Global Outreach to Counter an Expansionist China
The speaker discussed India's collaborations with various partners to counter China's expansionist policies. Key areas of focus included India-US convergence in the Indo-Pacific, India's collaboration with ASEAN, partnerships to counter China in South Asia, and India's involvement in the QUAD initiative. The presentation touched upon security concerns, common interests, economic cooperation, technology exchange, infrastructure development, and defense cooperation between India and its partners. It also highlighted the challenges and imperatives for shaping India's approach in dealing with Taiwan.
· Revisiting One China Policy
There is a need to reevaluate India's One China Policy. The key elements for a modified stance, included upgrading contacts with Taiwan, seeking economic opportunities, and diversifying partnerships. There are challenges and implications to consider, including a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Taiwan, cooperation in semiconductor chips, people-to-people connections, and supporting Taiwan in international organizations.
Presentation by Group Captain Aseem Dogra
· Navigating the Way Forward
Bilateral engagement and collaboration between India and Taiwan hold great significance. Specific suggestions included reviving the India-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Forum (ITPFF), supporting the G-7 resolution for observer status to Taiwan, enhancing interactions between political players, diversifying economic ties, and placing emphasis on human rights and international norms.
Concluding Remarks
Group Captain Aseem Dogra's presentation provided a comprehensive examination of India's One China Policy and argued for a need to reevaluate it. The suggested changes in policy, bilateral engagements, economic ties, and international interactions with Taiwan were thought-provoking. The audience was left with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue and the potential benefits of a more flexible approach to India's stance on One China.
Report by Ananya Tomar
Research Intern
CS3, USI