Air India's move to rename Taiwan is consistent with India's 1949 policy: MEA
"Air India's decision to rename the destination of Taiwan as Chinese Taipei is entirely consistent with the international norms and our position on Taiwan since 1949," said MEA.
Published: 05th July 2018 07:54 PM | Last Updated: 05th July 2018 07:54 PM | A+A A-
Image used for representational purpose only. (File photo | Reuters)
NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Thursday said national carrier Air India's decision to rename Taiwan airport as Chinese Taipei is "entirely consistent" with the international norms and government of India's policy since 1949.
"It is difficult to answer why (Air India has renamed the destination Taiwan) now. This is something that Air India can answer. What we can say is Air India's decision to rename the destination of Taiwan as Chinese Taipei is entirely consistent with the international norms and our position on Taiwan since 1949," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters here.
The remarks from the MEA spokesman came at the regular weekly media briefing hours after the national carrier changed the name of Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website.
Apparently, this was done at the instructions of the government and is seen largely as a part of mutual exercise between the political leadership in both the countries to improve and enhance the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Beijing.
A new bonhomie between two countries after the last year's standoff at Doklam is considered a significant development as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also held an 'Informal Summit' with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April.
A Chinese delegation led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu, Deputy Commander of Western Theatre Command, comprising of other senior military officials visited Sukna in West Bengal earlier this week for a close interaction.
India along with China and Russia may also have a maritime dialogue soon. India follows a unique policy with Taiwan vis-a-vis China.
As a matter of fact, New Delhi had ceased bilateral relations with Taiwan (Taipei) and recognized the People's Republic of China in 1949-50.
Despite not maintaining any formal ties, in 1990s Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's government brought some changes and approved formation of the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei.
Since the formation of ITA, there have been many bilateral agreements relating to trade and investment, technology and education between India and Taiwan.
A Chinese official has welcomed Air India's move and said the government of India run aviation major is "only respecting the basic fact that there is one China and Taiwan is part of China".
