Taiwan has officially recognised India’s contribution to its ambitious Hai Kun-class Indigenous Defence Submarine programme, marking an important milestone in regional defence collaboration. Taipei’s acknowledgement highlights the role New Delhi has played through technical and industrial support. The Hai Kun-class project is Taiwan’s first effort to design and build submarines domestically, attracting global attention due to its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to a February 2026 report by Global Taiwan, India has not directly assisted in Taiwan’s submarine production so far. However, there is scope for informal cooperation, as both countries face similar challenges in areas such as hull construction, subsystem integration, and long-term maintenance. The report suggests a mutually beneficial exchange: India could leverage Taiwan’s expertise in lithium-ion battery technology for advanced propulsion systems, while Taiwan could benefit from India’s experience in refurbishing older diesel-electric submarines like the Kilo and Type-209 classes. Such collaboration could take place under existing commercial frameworks, including the 2018 Bilateral Investment Agreement, without requiring formal defence ties.

Given the sensitivity surrounding China’s stance on Taiwan, India’s involvement has remained understated yet diverse. Its contributions reportedly include supplying specialised components, structural elements, and subsystem manufacturing support, helping Taiwan address industrial constraints and maintain quality in submarine construction.

India has also provided advisory support through retired naval personnel experienced in operating Kalvari-class and Kilo-class submarines. Their insights have assisted Taiwanese engineers and planners in adapting proven operational methods to their indigenous design, strengthening system integration and operational readiness.

Taiwan’s recognition underscores India’s growing position as a defence technology partner in Asia. It reflects New Delhi’s capability not only to manufacture and supply critical components but also to offer strategic guidance based on extensive operational expertise. The Hai Kun-class programme is central to Taiwan’s naval modernisation and deterrence strategy amid rising maritime tensions. India’s role enhances the project’s credibility and demonstrates how indigenous defence initiatives can benefit from carefully managed partnerships.

This cooperation signals a broader expansion of its influence in the Indo-Pacific, where defence collaboration is increasingly viewed as a way to balance regional power dynamics. By acknowledging India’s role, Taiwan has reinforced bilateral engagement and highlighted the importance of technical cooperation among partners facing shared security challenges.