India’s military studying options for any China-Taiwan war

India is studying possible responses to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan following discreet inquiries from the U.S. on how the South Asian nation could contribute in the event of a war, according to senior Indian government officials.

About six weeks ago, Defense chief Gen. Anil Chauhan — India’s top military commander — commissioned a study to examine the wider impact of any war over the island that also involves the U.S. and its allies, and what action India could take in response, according to two senior Indian officials, who asked not to be named since discussions are private. The order came after the U.S. raised the issue in several different forums, they said.

The study will assess various war scenarios and provide options for India in case a conflict breaks out, they said. Some Indian military commanders believe that strong statements may suffice as a response in case the war is short, but ultimately that will not be enough if the conflict drags on like Russia’s war in Ukraine, the officials said.