Aug. 15 marks a momentous day in the consciousness of every Indian. On this day in 1947, India gained independence from more than 200 years of colonial rule. India’s independence struggle spanned the length and breadth of the country in which countless freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to ensure that India breathes free air and charts its own destiny. The day is also a celebration of the unique freedom movement that inspired millions to strive peacefully for a better future.
Over the span of 77 years, India has scripted a remarkable destiny for itself that reverberates across the world.
Standing on the foundation of democracy and freedom, and with the sweat and labor of more than 1 billion people, India is today positioned as one of the world’s most remarkable economies. It is the fifth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Foreign direct investment in the past 10 years totaled US$667 billion.
As the world leader in digital and fintech innovation, India’s digital payment system, the Unified Payments Interface, and domestic card payment system RuPay is being adopted in several countries across the globe.
India is only the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the surface of the moon.
Inspired by all its achievements, India is working on its goal for the next 25 years — a duration termed as India’s “Amrit Kaal.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a “New India” by 2047, is of an India that is a developed nation, united within and integrated with the world, proud of its legacy and filled with dedicated and responsible citizens.
In its journey of development, India is following the philosophy of “One Earth, One Family and One Future.” On that basis, during the G20 summit last year, held under India’s presidency, the nation committed to the pledge of leaving no one behind in building a sustainable and equitable future.
While its shared future is beset with shared challenges from geopolitical conflicts to the existential threat of climate change, India is well-positioned to be a force for good and preferred partner for most countries.
In this regard, the relationship between Taiwan and India exemplifies the coming together of natural partners to deliver global common benefits. The two are united by the common ethos of democracy, pluralism and diversity.
This year saw the celebration of democracy in India, as well as Taiwan. India conducted peaceful elections with a historic high electorate of 970 million, and Modi was voted in for a third term. Similarly, Taiwanese demonstrated the strengths of their robust democratic system and electoral process.
Modi has emphasized the need for a reliable supply chain and aims to make India a prominent semiconductor manufacturing hub. Blessed with complementary strengths — Taiwan’s advanced chip manufacturing technologies and India’s specialization in chip and software design — Taiwan and India are perfectly positioned to build a partnership in the field of semiconductors.
During the “India’s Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat” program in March, Modi laid the foundation stone of India’s US$11 billion semiconductor fab project. This fab is being built by India’s Tata Electronics in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp and would be India’s first artificial intelligence-enabled state-of-the-art fab.
The substantial growth of engagement between Taiwan and India covers a broad array of people-to-people connections. To give fresh impetus to this comprehensive relationship, this year Taiwan and India signed an agreement to facilitate the employment of Indian workers in Taiwan. India’s workers, known for their professionalism and capabilities, are to support Taiwan in responding to labor shortages in critical sectors of the economy.
As India gears up for the 78th year of independence, we are also entering the year marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the India Taipei Association in Taipei. This provides an opportunity to not only take stock of what has been achieved until now, but also lay out a blueprint to take this robust relationship to newer heights.
As Taiwan and India have time and again showcased how commonality and complementarity can lead to tangible gains and enduring partnerships, their relationship is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s developmental journey and Taiwan’s diversification of supply chains.
The synergy between India’s vast market and skilled workforce and Taiwan’s technological prowess and manufacturing expertise creates a fertile ground for innovation and growth. By deepening collaboration in emerging fields, such as green technology, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, Taiwan and India can mutually accelerate their progress and contribute to global solutions.
The partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to innovation, would not only bolster both economies, but also serve as a model for international cooperation in the rapidly evolving global landscape.
As we move forward, the Taiwan-India relationship will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in realizing the vision of a developed India by its centennial year of independence.
Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav is director-general of the India Taipei Association.
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