Politics · India Bureau
Direct India-Taiwan flights would operate if established, MEA indicates
India's Ministry of External Affairs has signalled that direct commercial flights between India and Taiwan would proceed if established, despite Pakistan's restrictions on airspace access. The statement comes as New Delhi navigates geopolitical complexities in the region.
LSN India ·
A spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs indicated on Wednesday that direct flights between India and Taiwan would be operationalised if such routes were to be established, responding to queries about potential aviation connectivity between the two regions.
"My sense is, if there are direct flights, they will fly," the MEA representative stated, suggesting New Delhi's commitment to pursuing commercial aviation links independent of third-party restrictions.
The remarks come amid reports that Pakistan has restricted airspace access related to India-Taiwan flight operations, citing its adherence to the "One-China" policy. Pakistan's position reflects its diplomatic alignment with Beijing, which maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory.
India has maintained a pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations, balancing its engagement with both Beijing and Taipei while avoiding explicit political statements on Taiwan's status. Direct air connectivity would represent a significant development in India-Taiwan commercial relations, potentially enhancing trade and people-to-people ties.
The aviation industry in South Asia has witnessed increasing scrutiny over geopolitical considerations, with several countries factoring strategic considerations into airspace and routing decisions. India's MEA statement suggests New Delhi intends to pursue practical connectivity solutions regardless of such external pressures.