Nothing new or unusual about the visit of a Taiwanese delegation to India: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said that there is nothing new or unusual about the visit of a Taiwanese delegation to India.

"We understand that a group of Taiwanese academics and business persons, including a couple of legislators, is visiting India. Such informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes. I understand that they do so to China as well. There is nothing new or unusual about such visits and political meanings should not be read into them," said MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

This came after China expressed its objection and lodged a protest with India on a visit by a Taiwanese delegation to the country on Monday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that the country has lodged representations with India over the Taiwan delegation's visit to New Delhi.

He said China hopes that India respect Beijing's core concerns and stick to the 'One-China' principle and maintains steady development of India-China relations.