Taiwan-India relations have entered a phase of clarity and consensus, marked by a shared vision of mutual benefit and opportunity. However, the pressing question remains: Are we truly unlocking the full potential of that partnership? The honest answer is no. Yet, that is no cause for pessimism. Since 2020, ties between Taiwan and India have made remarkable strides, and with continued momentum, that relationship could evolve into a resilient and enduring bond. A new year calls for a renewed perspective and proactive approach — that should define Taiwan-India relations this year and beyond.
Taiwan is taking proactive steps to attract Indian talent through programs such as the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Visa and the Employment Seeking Visa. Last month, Taiwan Employment Gold Card officials visited India to engage professionals and engineering students, showcasing opportunities in Taiwan. That initiative holds immense potential for strengthening people-to-people connections and commercial exchanges. However, achieving those goals requires more than just visa programs. The lack of direct connectivity and limited awareness between the two nations present significant hurdles. Given the challenges surrounding the US’ H-1B visa, Taiwan has the chance to emerge as an alternative destination for Indian engineers. To capitalize on that, there must be a robust, visible exchange of information about job opportunities and talent acquisition in Taiwan. Without that, the initiative risks falling short. Improved connectivity and communication channels are essential to unlocking the full potential of those programs.
It is also time to debunk some myths about Taiwan-India relations.
First, any improvement in India-China relations would not impact Taiwan-India relations. India views Taiwan through the lens of mutual benefit and has never used Taiwan as a tool to pressure China. It understands that its technological and economic partnership with Taiwan is too valuable to be compromised for its relationship with China. Taiwan-India relations stand independently, unaffected by developments in India-China ties. That is the accurate assessment of the situation and is the narrative that needs to be communicated. Moreover, as a major power, India’s economic and foreign policies are not dictated or shaped by China.
Second, the Indo-Pacific is not solely defined by the China-US rivalry. Other nations, particularly India, Japan and Australia, are shaping the region’s trajectory. For Taiwan, that offers a compelling reason to broaden its focus and engage more deeply with countries outside traditional power dynamics.
India’s role in a potential cross-strait conflict remains speculative, but its importance cannot be overlooked. An invasion of Taiwan would have global consequences, extending far beyond the region. Simultaneously, China remains India’s primary security challenge, with the unresolved border dispute and persistent threat perceptions. While direct intervention in Taiwan’s defense remains unlikely for now, India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region make passivity a less viable option.
The US plays a pivotal role here. As India-US ties deepen, particularly in the realm of security, involving India in more discussions and encouraging it to adopt a collective role in the Indo-Pacific region could be mutually advantageous. If US president-elect Donald Trump were to leverage his personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it could help India better recognize the implications of the China threat and the potential fallout of a conflict in the region. That strategic alignment could enhance regional stability and fortify the Indo-Pacific against common challenges.
It is time for the administrations of President William Lai (賴清德) and Modi to prioritize that relationship. Areas such as economics, technology, culture, education and parliamentary diplomacy need greater attention. Hesitation must give way to bold initiatives, ensuring steady progress in those domains.
The key to ensuring lasting progress in Taiwan-India relations lies in maintaining focus, avoiding complacency and building on the achievements of the past four years. Viewing those advancements as episodic risks turning that partnership into another case of missed opportunities. Both nations face similar challenges — including the weaponization of supply chains, trade and cybersecurity — which present avenues for deeper collaboration.
For India, distinguishing its approach to China from its relationship with Taiwan offers a pragmatic path forward. For Taiwan, prioritizing tangible actions over words of affirmation is critical.
Actions speak louder than words and India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Taiwan is evident in its initiatives. A “New Southbound Policy Plus” framework, as suggested by Taiwanese academics such as Hsiao Hsin-huang (蕭新煌) and Alan Yang (楊昊), would be a strategic move for the Lai administration.
Taiwan must adopt a multidirectional approach, ensuring effective lobbying efforts with India as a priority. While India’s size, political complexity and strategic autonomy might pose challenges and seem daunting for Taiwan, patience and persistent outreach would be the key to success.
Taiwan and India have recognized the importance of advancing ties, reflecting a pragmatic shift in their approach. Their strategies are increasingly independent of broader geopolitical rivalries, signaling a shared commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
The mantra for Taiwan and India should be to advance with rigor, focusing on sustained momentum and proactive engagement.
Sana Hashmi is a fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. Views are personal.
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