NEW DELHI: Taiwan sees India as an increasingly important partner, with expanding cooperation in trade, technology, education and research, Ambassador Mumin Chen said at the celebration of the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) organised by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECCI) here on Thursday.
The ambassador also announced that Taiwan’s EVA Air would launch direct flights between Taipei and New Delhi from December 1, a move expected to give a major boost to business, tourism, academic exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Welcoming the guests, Chen said their presence reflected the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and India and the many personal and institutional connections that had brought the two societies closer.
Despite being separated by approximately 4,000 kilometres, the two democracies shared many similarities, he said, adding that relations had continued to deepen through growing engagement between governments, parliaments, businesses, academic institutions and communities.
Three decades of democracy and economic growth
Referring to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s vision of a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Taiwan, Chen said 2026 marked the 30th anniversary of the island’s first direct presidential election.
“In 1996, the Taiwanese people refused to be intimidated by the military threat from our big neighbour and chose to embrace democracy,” he said.
Over the past three decades, Taiwan had witnessed three changes of governing party and progressed through democratic transition, consolidation and strengthening. Although the process had not always been smooth, freedom, democracy and human rights remained fundamental values shared by the Taiwanese people, he added.
Alongside its democratic journey, Taiwan had achieved steady economic growth. Its GDP per capita reached US$39,500 in 2025, while foreign exchange reserves stood at US$600 billion, according to the ambassador. The economy grew by more than 14 per cent in the first half of 2026, driven by strong global demand for information technology products and Taiwan’s integration into global supply chains.
Technology remained at the heart of this transformation. Taiwan had developed a highly integrated technology ecosystem spanning semiconductors, information and communications technology, electronics manufacturing, advanced machinery and artificial intelligence.
Chen said Taiwan produced more than 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced chips and that Taiwanese suppliers produced or assembled more than 90 per cent of global AI servers.
However, he cautioned that intensifying geopolitical tensions and growing challenges to the international order had made regional peace and stability increasingly important.
“Taiwan is not just an economic or high-technology powerhouse. We are holding the front line of protecting regional peace and stability,” he said, emphasising the importance of cooperation among like-minded partners and greater resilience in confronting shared challenges.
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Bilateral trade reaches new heights
Highlighting the growing economic partnership with India, Chen said bilateral trade reached a record US$12.5 billion in 2025. During the first eight months of 2026, trade had already climbed to US$12.9 billion, surpassing the total for the previous year and registering a 60 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
Nearly 400 Taiwanese companies are now operating in India, with cumulative investment approaching US$7.5 billion and supporting more than 200,000 jobs, he said.
Taiwanese businesses bring expertise in semiconductors, electronics, precision machinery, industrial automation and advanced manufacturing. India’s expanding manufacturing base, large domestic market, skilled workforce and growing innovation ecosystem offer considerable opportunities for further cooperation.
From semiconductors to consumer technology, Taiwanese companies are becoming increasingly integrated into India’s economy.
Another emerging area of collaboration is the tea industry. Chen noted that the year had seen the first Taiwan–India collaboration in tea, combining high-mountain tea leaves from Meghalaya with Taiwanese machinery and technology.
The ambassador also welcomed the relaunch of the India–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Forum, which now includes 23 Members of Parliament, describing it as an important development in strengthening institutional ties.
Cooperation in science, technology and education
Scientific research has been another important pillar of the partnership. Since 2009, Taiwan and India have supported 180 joint research projects in areas including green energy, biomedical technology and nanotechnology. Cooperation is now expanding into semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, sustainable development and the social sciences.
Last year, Taiwanese scientists visited India to share their experience in air pollution management and explore ways to mitigate its adverse effects on human health. Two additional bilateral workshops, focusing on cybersecurity and science education, were planned for this year, Chen said.
Education and student exchanges have also grown significantly. More than 3,500 Indian students are currently studying in Taiwan, while another 600 are undertaking internships.
TECCI has established 43 Taiwan Education Centers across India to provide language instruction and courses on Taiwan-related subjects. This year, Taiwan awarded 95 scholarships to Indian students, including 47 degree scholarships and 48 Huayu Enrichment Scholarships for language studies.
The centre has also renewed nine memorandums of understanding and signed a new agreement with partner universities in India.
Looking ahead, Taiwan plans to expand educational cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green technology and biotechnology, while promoting industry–academia partnerships aligned with India’s national skill-development priorities.
Cultural exchanges bring people closer
Cultural engagement has added another dimension to Taiwan–India relations. Chen recalled visits to Delhi last year by Taiwanese artists, including Booker Prize-winning author Yang Shuang-zi, singer Whyte and photographer Shen Chao-liang.
TECCI has planned further programmes in Delhi and Mumbai this year to promote cultural understanding and strengthen connections between the people of the two societies.
Concluding his address, Chen thanked the guests for their friendship and continued support for Taiwan.
The celebration featured cultural performances jointly presented by Indian and Taiwanese students, which enthralled the audience and underscored the growing cultural links between the two sides.
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