NEW DELHI — Despite being separated by approximately 4,000 kilometres, Taiwan and India are steadily drawing closer through rapidly expanding connections in technology, commerce, higher education, and cultural exchange. This was the central message delivered by Dr Mumin Chen, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India, as he addressed dignitaries and guests during Taiwan’s 115th National Day reception, held in New Delhi on October 8, 2026.
The high-profile diplomatic gathering brought together a diverse audience comprising senior Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, prominent business leaders, and representatives of the vibrant Taiwanese expatriate community residing in India. The evening served not only as a celebration of Taiwan’s national milestone but also as a vibrant showcase of growing bilateral synergy. Cultural performances anchored the reception, featuring a unique Taiwanese artistic presentation inspired by the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, alongside performances by Indian university students who sang traditional Taiwanese songs in Mandarin. These artistic exchanges underscored the vital role that grassroots cultural engagement plays in fostering deeper mutual understanding between the two societies.
Welcoming the attendees, Dr Chen drew attention to the fundamental characteristics that bind the two democracies together. Noting that both nations share deeply rooted democratic values and take immense pride in their respective cultural heritages, he described their populations as energetic, innovative, and inherently entrepreneurial.
This year’s celebration holds profound historical significance for Taiwan, marking the 30th anniversary of its landmark first direct presidential election, which took place in 1996. Reflecting on this historic milestone during his address, Dr Chen recalled the extraordinary resilience of the Taiwanese people, who chose the path of democracy in the face of formidable military pressure and external challenges. Over the three decades since that pivotal moment, Taiwan has successfully navigated transitions of governing parties and firmly consolidated its democratic institutions.
Dr Chen underlined that freedom, democracy, and human rights remain the unshakeable foundational values of Taiwanese society. This sentiment has been echoed by President Lai Ching-te, who has frequently highlighted the anniversary as a crucial benchmark in Taiwan’s democratic maturation, emphasizing the resilience of its governance structures and the unwavering determination of its citizenry to safeguard their democratic way of life.
Yet, as Dr Chen elaborated, Taiwan’s contemporary narrative extends far beyond its remarkable political evolution. It is equally a story of profound economic transformation, cutting-edge technological innovation, and deep integration into global supply chains.
Detailing the island’s strong economic performance, Dr Chen noted that Taiwan’s GDP per capita had reached approximately US$39,000 in the previous year. This upward trajectory continued unabated into 2026, supported by sustained global demand for information technology products and Taiwan’s indispensable position in international manufacturing networks. Official economic statistics recorded robust year-on-year GDP growth of 14.55 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, followed by a strong 12.93 per cent growth rate in the second quarter.
“Technology is always at the heart of this transformation,” Dr Chen observed to the assembled guests.
Taiwan’s globally renowned semiconductor industry, coupled with its advanced machinery manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT), and sophisticated electronic manufacturing capabilities, has cemented its status as a cornerstone of the global technology ecosystem. This strategic role has gained unprecedented importance as global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and advanced computing accelerates at a historic pace. Underscoring this trend, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported record-breaking third-quarter revenue in October 2026, directly reflecting the staggering global demand for AI-related applications.
However, Dr Chen cautioned that this technological success must be viewed within the context of a increasingly complex and volatile geopolitical landscape. Intensifying international tensions and mounting challenges to the rules-based global order have made it more critical than ever for like-minded economies to forge robust partnerships and ensure the resilience of vital supply chains.
It is against this complex global backdrop that India is rapidly emerging as an indispensable strategic and economic partner for Taiwan.
A major institutional development announced during the reception was the official revival of the Taiwan–India Parliamentary Friendship Association, which has already secured the commitment of 23 Indian parliamentarians who have agreed to join its ranks. Dr Chen highlighted parliamentary exchanges as a vital channel for building long-term mutual understanding and strengthening institutional connections between the two legislative bodies. The announcement was also widely noted by regional media, including Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
Economic and commercial engagement continues to serve as another powerful pillar of the bilateral relationship. According to figures shared by Dr Chen, Taiwan–India bilateral trade reached a record-breaking US$12.5 billion in 2025. The momentum has only accelerated through 2026, with bilateral trade reaching US$12.9 billion in the first eight months of the year alone—representing a remarkable 60 per cent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Furthermore, Dr Chen pointed to the expanding footprint of Taiwanese enterprise in India, noting that nearly 400 Taiwanese companies are currently operating across the country. Cumulative investment by these firms has approached US$7.5 billion, collectively supporting more than 200,000 local jobs.
Taiwanese corporations bring world-class expertise in critical sectors such as semiconductors, electronic manufacturing, precision machinery, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing. Meanwhile, India offers an expanding domestic manufacturing base, a vast consumer market, and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, creating fertile ground for deeper industrial collaboration. The prominent presence of leading Taiwanese technology brands, including ASUS, at the reception served as a tangible illustration of the thriving commercial bridges already connecting the two markets.
In addition to heavy industry and technology, Dr Chen highlighted innovative avenues of cooperation, such as an emerging partnership in the tea industry that combines the production of high-quality tea from India’s Meghalaya region with advanced Taiwanese machinery and processing technology. Such collaborative initiatives demonstrate how bilateral cooperation can successfully extend beyond large-scale industrial investments into specialized regional sectors, generating fresh opportunities for innovation and value addition.
Science and technology cooperation between Taiwan and India is likewise expanding at a steady pace. Since 2009, the two economies have jointly supported approximately 180 bilateral research projects spanning critical fields such as renewable energy, biomedical technology, and nanotechnology. Dr Chen noted that newer areas of scientific engagement now encompass semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, sustainable development, and the social sciences.
He also drew attention to Taiwan’s ongoing knowledge-sharing initiatives focused on urban air pollution management, alongside forthcoming workshops dedicated to cybersecurity and science education. These practical exchanges provide researchers, academic institutions, and technical experts with hands-on avenues to address shared modern challenges.
Education and deepening people-to-people connections formed another major focus of the address. Dr Chen reported that more than 3,500 Indian students are currently pursuing their higher education in Taiwan, while approximately 600 Indian youth are undertaking professional internships on the island. A network of Taiwan Education Centres spread across India continues to promote Mandarin language learning while offering students a window into Taiwanese society and culture.
Marking a concrete step forward in academic cooperation, Dr Chen announced that Taiwan awarded 95 scholarships to Indian students in 2026, comprising 47 degree scholarships and 48 language scholarships. He also noted the recent renewal of nine separate memoranda of understanding, alongside the signing of a fresh cooperative agreement with a prominent Indian university. Looking ahead, he expressed a strong desire to expand academic partnerships into high-tech domains including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green technology, and biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on fostering stronger industry-academia linkages.
Physical connectivity between the two regions is also set for a major boost. EVA Air is scheduled to launch a direct, nonstop service between Taipei and Delhi on December 1, 2026, operating five flights a week. The new flight route is expected to significantly ease travel logistics for business professionals, academic researchers, students, and tourists, thereby reinforcing the practical foundations of economic and educational engagement.
Cultural exchanges continue to broaden awareness of Taiwan within India. Dr Chen referenced recent visits by Taiwanese artists and writers, as well as concrete plans to host additional film screenings and cultural programmes in New Delhi and Mumbai. These initiatives complement commercial and academic ties by offering everyday citizens opportunities to discover each other’s languages, artistic traditions, and creative expressions.
Concluding his address at the 115th National Day reception, Dr Chen reaffirmed Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to broader international cooperation across healthcare, disaster relief, agricultural technology, digital governance, the global net-zero transition, and humanitarian assistance.
“Taiwan is a vital partner in this journey,” Dr Chen said, expressing his deep appreciation for the enduring friendship and steadfast support extended by the people of India.
