Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Taiwan’s War Lessons for India Beyond Border Conflict
Taiwan holds yearly military exercises to prepare for a possible attack from China.
In 2026, the exercises also test how ordinary people and government agencies would cope with disrupted communications.
Smaller military units are being trained to make decisions if central commands cannot communicate.
Civilian groups are teaching people first aid, evacuation and emergency planning.
The article says India should learn from this approach.
Modern conflict can affect cities far from a country’s borders through drones, missiles or cyberattacks.
False or frightening news can also make emergencies worse.
The author recommends better public information, civilian training and a clear national security strategy for India.
Taiwan’s 2026 Han Kuang exercise tests military readiness and civilian resilience against potential Chinese attack.
The drills include air-defense alerts, emergency messages, traffic controls and a new 30-minute digital-disruption simulation.
Taiwan is testing decentralized military command and training civilians in first aid, evacuation and emergency preparedness.
The article argues India must prepare civilians for drones, missiles, communications failures and other threats beyond border regions.
It also calls for verified crisis communication and a publicly accessible National Security Report and Strategy for India.
- Who
- Taiwan’s armed forces, government agencies and civilians are involved; the article draws lessons for India.
- What
- Taiwan is conducting the 42nd Han Kuang exercise, including digital-disruption and whole-of-society preparedness measures.
- When
- The 42nd exercise is being conducted in 2026; the article also refers to Operation Sindoor 1.0.
- Where
- Across Taiwan, with India discussed as the country that could apply relevant lessons.
- Why
- To test readiness for military attacks, communications disruptions and societal crises, and to improve resilience beyond the armed forces.
- Exercise
- Han Kuang, Taiwan’s annual military-readiness exercise
- 2026 edition
- The 42nd edition
- New module
- A 30-minute simulation of attacks on communications infrastructure
- Civilian training
- Kuma Academy has reportedly trained more than one lakh civilians
- Civilian skills
- First aid, evacuation planning, emergency preparedness and use of essential supplies
- India-related example
- During Operation Sindoor 1.0, most aerial objects were reportedly intercepted before reaching civilian areas
- Recommended policy
- A publicly accessible National Security Report and Strategy for India