logo
Taiwan wants to buy India's D4 anti-drone system? Taiwanese official calls reports ‘unconfirmed'

Taiwan wants to buy India's D4 anti-drone system? Taiwanese official calls reports ‘unconfirmed'

First Post09-06-2025

In a statement to Firstpost, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center has clarified that the island nation has not released any official statement confirming its interest in India's D4 anti-drone system read more
Last week, several media outlets reported that Taiwan has shown interest in purchasing India's state-of-the-art D4 anti-drone system, developed by the Defence Research and Developed Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The reports suggested that Taiwan's interest in the D4 system grew following its success in the Operation Sindoor where it jammed and neutralised Pakistani drones, including Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones.
Clarification from Taiwan
However, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India has now clarified that the country's Ministry of National Defense has not released any official statement corroborating the same. The TECC in a statement to Firstpost stated that the Taiwanese government has not released any statement confirming any such interest.
'While these news reports have circulated, there has been no official corroboration from Taipei. Officials in Taiwan have not publicly commented on any potential defense acquisitions from India, including the D4 anti-drone system,' said Col. Huang Ming Chieh of TECC.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The statement also added that details regarding D4 anti-drone system's operational deployment and specific successes were not confirmed by the government of India and were only reported by media outlets.
'Details regarding its operational deployment and specific successes, including those attributed to 'Operation Sindoor,' are based on media reporting and have not been officially detailed by the Indian government,' it added.
While the TECC didn't reject the reports in Indian media, it also refused to confirm them.
'Therefore, based on the current information available from official Taiwanese channels, the reports of an impending purchase of the Indian D4 anti-drone system by Taiwan remain unconfirmed. The TECC's statement underscores the lack of any official communication or planning regarding such a defense procurement,' said Huang in the statement.
Significance of India-Taiwan defence ties
A successful agreement with Taiwan could foster enhanced defence collaboration, possibly involving joint development of cutting-edge counter-drone systems.
Moreover, amid China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific, India's strategic engagement with Taiwan could act as a vital counterbalance, transforming the region's security landscape.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Canada, a move away from the Rockies
Canada, a move away from the Rockies

Economic Times

time8 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Canada, a move away from the Rockies

Recognising a problem is the first step towards a solution. By that metric, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has taken an important step towards repairing a troubled India-Canada relationship. A recent CSIS report acknowledges the existence of Canada-based Khalistani extremists who continue to promote, fund and/or plan acts of violence targeting India. Not only do they mean harm to India, CSIS says these groups also threaten Canadian national security. That is lucid observation. The report's findings dovetail efforts by PM Mark Carney to repair and restore the bilateral relationship left hanging precariously by his predecessor Justin Trudeau. Recognition of continued operations of Canada-based Khalistani extremists is an important departure from the recent past when focus was turned on alleged involvement of Indian officials in the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While perceptions of the threat may differ, acknowledgement that it's an issue of concern for both countries will allow addressing it, and avoid the kind of strange food fight that had broken out before. Like any long-standing relationship, especially between two democracies, there have been ups and downs. But, on balance, it has been a good one. The current fractured geopolitical and geo-economic landscape, exacerbated by unpredictability of the Trump regime - his continued suggestion of annexing Canada and newfound friendship with Pakistan and its generals - adds urgency to restoring and augmenting New Delhi-Ottawa ties. Working together and tackling problems with mutual respect, for mutual benefit, should become a SOP, allowing both nations to leverage the past - beyond the too-recent past, that is - and take on multiple challenges.

Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations
Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations

The Hindu

time18 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations

May was a month of magical bonanza for United Kingdom-India relations. The long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement was ratified by both Prime Ministers, and it was another milestone that illuminated a different but equally significant dimension of their partnership: culture. On May 2, U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, and India's Minister for Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, signed the Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC). This landmark agreement promises to light up the cultural corridor between the two nations, reaffirming their shared creative spirit. The POCC outlines five programme areas: digital technologies for culture, exhibitions and collections, performances and events, cultural property, and sustainability. These themes directly support the creative economy, a core sector driving the U.K. government's industrial strategy. This agreement signals a shared commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and economic growth. Before arriving in Delhi to sign the POCC, Ms. Nandy, the first Labour Cabinet Minister of Indian heritage, was the highest-ranking international delegate at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) Summit, held in Mumbai. In her keynote, she powerfully highlighted the collaborative potential of the India-U.K. cultural and creative industries, sustainable by nature and an employment multiplier. The growth of the creative arts sector Globally, the creative arts sector is rapidly growing, projected to reach 10% of global GDP by 2030. At the G-20 New Delhi Leaders' Summit in 2023, global leaders unanimously called for greater investment in the sector. India hosting WAVES for the first time underscored its commitment, resulting in significant business deals and international agreements. The POCC between India and the U.K. builds on this momentum. It brings together the Indian Ministry of Culture, the U.K. government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and the British Council in India, alongside major U.K. cultural institutions — including Arts Council England, the British Library, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum Group. With over 1,700 accredited museums in the U.K., the scope for partnerships with their Indian counterparts is tremendous, especially around leveraging digital technology for sharing cultural experiences and heritage. At its core, the POCC signals hope: the creative economy can foster a more inclusive future, encompassing tech-driven sectors such as gaming, digital content, film, OTT, television and more — creating opportunities for skilled workers and innovators. That is great news for India. With its deep cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, skilled artisan base, and the world's largest youth population, India is uniquely positioned to lead. India's creative economy, valued at $35 billion, employs nearly 8% of its workforce, second only to agriculture. According to the Asian Development Bank's report (2022), 'Creative India: Tapping the Full Potential', six of India's top 10 creative hubs — from Badgam in Jammu and Kashmir to Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu — are in non-metro regions. This shows India's diverse cultural heritage. India, with over 300 universities and 3,000 colleges offering courses in design, arts, and architecture, is nurturing a global creative workforce. A role for the U.K. In 2023, during India's G-20 presidency, the U.K. played a pivotal role in supporting the cultural agenda. Artistic partnerships, creative project grants, and year-long cultural exchanges, such as Wales in India, which culminated at the 2024 Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, furthered that agenda bilaterally, redefining India-U.K. cultural ties and building lasting bonds. Why do these global partnerships matter so much? First, the creative economy is evolving rapidly. It faces challenges including skilled labour shortage. To meet this, we need sustained investment in education, vocational training and apprenticeships. International collaborations can help empower creative professionals with global competencies and best practices. Second, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) are transforming the sector. As the British Council's recent report, Arts and Technologies in India: Reimagining the Future argues, it is time to integrate it into India's creative education framework. Cultural exchange and cross-border partnerships can support professionals in navigating this digital shift. India's creative canvas is expanding, driven by cultural wealth, youth potential, and a bold vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions India as a global creative hub — and with a three-pronged approach focused on education, skills, and international collaboration, we are well on our way. But it will require sustained cooperation between government, industry and academia to make that vision a reality. Businesses and projects Indian companies, too, are doing their bit. Take Royal Enfield, the iconic U.K.-India motorcycle brand, which is working in the Himalayas through its Social Mission. In partnership with UNESCO, it is helping to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and working with over 580 artisans through its textile conservation project, The Himalayan Knot. This initiative not only preserves sustainable textile traditions but also creates new market linkages for craft communities. Ms. Nandy heard this story first hand at the reception hosted in her honour by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron and this writer in Delhi, where the Serendipity Arts Festival's Birmingham chapter was also launched — a moving reminder of how businesses can be storytellers too. What truly binds the U.K. and India together are their people and their stories. In a world grappling with conflict and uncertainty, culture and creativity remain among the most time-tested healers of relations between people and nations. And in that, we have every reason to celebrate — and invest in — the creative spark that unites us. Alison Barrett, MBE, is the Country Director India at the British Council

First of 3 flights evacuating Indians from Iran's Mashhad lands in Delhi
First of 3 flights evacuating Indians from Iran's Mashhad lands in Delhi

Hindustan Times

time18 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

First of 3 flights evacuating Indians from Iran's Mashhad lands in Delhi

The first of three chartered evacuation flights carrying Indian nationals from conflict-hit Iran arrived in Delhi late Friday night, following Iran's decision to ease airspace restrictions for the operation. Those on board had earlier been moved from Tehran to safer locations. Additional flights may be arranged in the coming days for others wanting to return to India, according to a senior Iranian diplomat. Those on board had earlier been moved from Tehran to safer locations. Additional flights may be arranged in the coming days for others wanting to return to India. (File)(Vipin Kumar/HT Photo) 'Iran's airspace is currently closed, but we're facilitating limited access for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals,' said Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy. Around 1,000 Indians, mostly students pursuing professional courses, were relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad. These evacuees will be flown to Delhi on three Iranian-operated charter flights arranged by India, Hosseini said. Two more evacuation flights are set to arrive on Saturday. This evacuation is taking place as the Iran-Israel war enters its second week, following Israel's large-scale aerial offensive launched last week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is considering joining Israel in the conflict and will make a decision within two weeks, leaving open the possibility of negotiations to end the hostilities. More evacuation flights to land on Saturday Sources familiar with the situation said that another flight is scheduled to bring back more Indian nationals who were earlier moved from Iran to Turkmenistan via a land route. This evacuation flight from Ashgabat is expected to arrive in New Delhi early Saturday morning. None of the evacuation flights are flying over Pakistani airspace. Hosseini noted that additional flights may be arranged in the coming days, including a possible one on Sunday, to help Indians wishing to return home. He added that the Iranian foreign ministry is coordinating closely with India's external affairs ministry and the Indian embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. 'We are arranging for the safe passage of Indians who want to [leave] via air or via road through third countries, or directly from Iran,' Hosseini said. A separate group of 110 Indian students, who had been relocated from Tehran to Qom and then taken to Armenia by land, reached Delhi on a flight from Yerevan on Thursday. At the time the hostilities began, triggered by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites over the weekend, there were around 10,000 Indians in Iran—many of them students. India has not issued any formal advisories urging its citizens to leave Iran or Israel, but it has asked nationals in both countries to remain alert and limit their movement. Indian authorities have also recommended that citizens move out of Tehran. Hosseini said that all Indian nationals in Iran are safe, except for a few who sustained injuries when an Israeli airstrike struck a student dormitory in Tehran over the weekend. (With inputs from Rezaul Laskar)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store