The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring developments in the Indo-Pacific region following recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, underlining its interest in peace and stability in the region, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday, January 9.Jaiswal said India has “an abiding interest in peace and stability” in the Indo-Pacific region, citing the country’s significant trade, economic, people-to-people and maritime interests.
“We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, eschew unilateral action and resolve all issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force,” Jaiswal said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait after China launched 10 hours of live-firing exercises around Taiwan, including live-fire exercises that Taiwan said simulated a blockade of the island.Taiwan has said it remains on high alert and has vowed to defend its sovereignty, even as some Chinese vessels were later reported to have pulled back following the drills.
“We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, eschew unilateral action and resolve all issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force,” Jaiswal said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait after China launched 10 hours of live-firing exercises around Taiwan, including live-fire exercises that Taiwan said simulated a blockade of the island.Taiwan has said it remains on high alert and has vowed to defend its sovereignty, even as some Chinese vessels were later reported to have pulled back following the drills.
About $2.45 trillion in trade moves through the Taiwan Strait each year, while the airspace above the island serves as a corridor connecting China, the world’s second-largest economy, with the fast-growing markets of East and Southeast Asia.
India has consistently called for restraint and dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that peace and stability in the region are critical for global and regional prosperity.
