The Indo-Pacific is a single, connected strategic space where geography decides the flow of trade and the movement of military forces. Within this interconnected region, Taiwan occupies a position of extraordinary importance. The island lies at the center of the first island chain, between the East and South China Seas—a critical maritime gateway through which much of the world’s energy and trade passes. For India, which depends heavily on these sea routes for both imports and exports, the stability of this region is vital.

Over 55 percent of India’s trade and most of its thermal coal imports pass through these same sea lanes. If any power, especially China, were to dominate Taiwan, it would gain control over these routes and be able to project military and economic influence far beyond East Asia. A Chinese-controlled Taiwan would allow Beijing to station naval and air forces closer to key maritime chokepoints, effectively extending its reach. This would increase China’s ability to disrupt Indian trade, limit India’s naval mobility, and challenge its influence across the wider Indo-Pacific.

At present, Taiwan’s autonomy helps prevent that outcome. By remaining outside China’s control, Taiwan compels Beijing to focus its military efforts eastward, thereby limiting China’s capacity to project power into the Indian Ocean, where New Delhi’s interests are more directly involved. This creates an indirect but valuable strategic buffer for India. Taiwan’s continued independence keeps the regional balance fluid rather than one-sided, giving India time and space to strengthen its naval presence and protect its economic lifelines.

India’s maritime policy, expressed through initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), reflects this understanding. The country’s long-term goal is to maintain an open and stable Indo-Pacific, where no single power can dominate the critical sea lanes that sustain trade. In this sense, Taiwan’s position is not just a matter of regional politics; it is part of the physical architecture that keeps India’s maritime environment free and accessible.