Q. Suman Kundu asked : (1)Should India pursue a policy of influencing elections in foreign countries or aggregate of countries as one of its foreign policy ? This questions is in the context that we are already seeing forces inimical to democracy have started to undermine major democratic forces in a bigger way than before (2) What is India's policy on Tibet, Taiwan and Balochistan ? I think we should exploit this issues. (3) One of issues US started trade is theft of intellectual copy rights by china . I think India would be Trump's next target . How is India preparing for the trade war with USA

Replied by Dr Sreeradha Datta:

1. India’s official policy is not to interfere nor make any attempt to influence elections anywhere. India has traditionally supported democratic forces and will continue to do so but respects the election mandate that is delivered in very country.

2. Tibet: India and the People's Republic of China signed the Agreement between the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China on Trade and Intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India on 29 April 1954. This Agreement was aimed at promoting trade and cultural intercourse between India and Tibet Region of China and facilitating pilgrimage and travel by the peoples of India and China. Although this agreement lapsed in 1962, India’s policy towards Tibet continues to be guided by the same principles and India recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.

3. Taiwan: India follows the One China policy and Taiwan’s representative office in India promotes bilateral relations in the areas of the economy, trade, investment, the media, tourism, culture, education and science and technology. At the same time Taiwan is keen to develop closer relations between India. The trade and economic engagement between both the sides have increased considerably. Since then a series of agreements signed between India and Taiwan indicates an upward trajectory in ties. There have been rapid increase in the number of bilateral exchanges and the trade between both sides has grown considerably. Please read the link below for further details, https://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/new-southbound-policy-and-india-taiwan-relations.pdf [1]

4. Balochistan: The Indian government has always expressed concern about the recurring ‘violence in Balochistan and the heavy military action, including the use of helicopter gunships and jet fighters by the Government of Pakistan to quell it. We hope that the Government of Pakistan will exercise restraint and take recourse to peaceful discussions to address the grievances of the people of Balochistan.’ At the same time it has always refuted charges labelled by Pakistan of Indian support for Balochistan Liberation Army, as ‘entirely baseless allegations and we see no reason to dignify them with a response.’

Indian presently believes in expressing concern about certain unsavoury developments in these countries, but not take the matter in their hands.