By: Benjamin Tkach and Vasabjit Banerjee
The following abstract is from an article that originally appeared in the Australian Journal of International Affairs on July 15, 2026.
We argue that India and Taiwan have developed preconditions favourable for the development of an entente relationship. Ententes necessitate a common threat from a state, economic integration, and a security relationship between the states. China serves as the mutual antagonist, and the countries established cooperative informal diplomatic frameworks to facilitate economic cross-investment. We utilise the states’ cell phone production cooperation as the entente’s economic expression. Mutual benefits are evident in cell phone manufacturing: India’s economy provides economies of scale and reduced labour costs, and Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing capabilities enable precision manufacturing. These economic ties lay the foundation for broader cooperation. The nascent aspect of entente cooperation is national security policy. We contend that sustained economic collaboration fosters trust and institutional familiarity, enabling informal defense cooperation. We evaluate cooperative steps both states have taken in the defense arena, demonstrating how mutual antagonist China, economic ties, and budding security coordination are creating an entente.