In a first, India comments on Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan

New Delhi, Aug 13: Since the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, more than 170 countries across the world had issued statements about that speaks whether they support Taiwan being independent or believing in the One-China policy. India had kept a neutral stance on this controversy.

 

 

However, on Friday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, without naming either China or Taiwan, outlined India’s position on the issue in response to several questions on Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-governed island that China sees as a breakaway province.

 

India did not mention the “one-China” policy as it opposed unilateral actions to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait in its first official response to tensions triggered by China’s military drills following Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. This comes as India and China have been engaged in a stand-off in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control.

 

 

"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," Bagchi said.

 

When a reporter from China’s state-run Xinhua news agency asked what is India's position on One China principle, Bagchi said, "India’s relevant policies are well-known and consistent. They do not require reiteration." In response to another question, Bagchi said India has no plans as of now to evacuate the 10,000-odd Indians living in Taiwan. He noted that all Indian missions around the world have contingency plans in place for expatriate Indians but said that no advisory has been issued so far in the case of Taiwan.