China Objects to Modi-Xi Exchange on Indian Elections

In a diplomatic move that has sparked controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged greetings with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, prompting protests from China. The US State Department, however, has defended the exchange, stating that such congratulatory messages are a normal part of diplomatic business.

The exchange of messages occurred after Modi’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, with President Lai expressing his congratulations and a desire to enhance the Taiwan-India partnership. In response, Modi expressed his gratitude and mentioned his anticipation of closer ties and collaboration in various sectors.

China, which considers Taiwan a rebel province, strongly objected to the interaction between the Indian and Taiwanese leaders. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and urged New Delhi to resist Taiwan’s “political calculations.”

The incident highlights the complex diplomatic relationships in the region, with tensions between China and Taiwan continuing to simmer. Despite China’s objections, the US State Department’s stance on the matter underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels and communication between foreign leaders.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the exchange of greetings between Modi and President Lai will impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving diplomatic saga.