This year marks 30 years since the establishment of the India-Taipei Association and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center, which deserves not just celebration, but renewed commitment.
The anniversary offers a timely opportunity to reflect, recalibrate and reinvigorate a relationship that matters deeply, not only to Taiwan and India, but to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The world is changing fast. From regional conflicts and tariff disputes to the return of US President Donald Trump’s “America first” rhetoric and China’s increasingly assertive posture, the geopolitical landscape is shifting. In this uncertain environment, Taiwan must diversify and deepen its regional partnerships.
India, a rising power and a critical player in the Indo-Pacific region, should be central to that strategy, especially under the framework of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy Plus.
Despite mounting external challenges, the relationship need not stall. What it needs is fewer distractions, and more clarity and political will.
How can new energy be injected into Taiwan-India ties? A few clear steps would make a world of difference:
The first step is connectivity.
Direct flights between Taiwan and India are essential. The absence of connectivity is inconvenient, and a bottleneck for everything from trade and tourism to strategic dialogue. Taiwan and India are both in Asia and a direct flight takes just five hours, yet the current travel routes are unnecessarily long and complex. The issue must be addressed beyond the narrow lens of profitability. Connectivity is the foundation of any thriving relationship.
The second is economic cooperation.
Trade and investment remain the backbone of Taiwan-India ties. Progress has been made, including upgrades to a bilateral investment agreement — one of the few that New Delhi has signed with any country. Yet much more can be done. Taiwanese businesses are showing interest, but they need reassurance. India should seriously consider a trade, technology and talent agreement with Taiwan. This should not be seen as a political statement, but as a practical economic move aligned with its interests.
For Taiwanese investors, the step would offer the predictability and confidence they seek.
The third step is to bridge the talent gap, especially in semiconductors.
Taiwan faces a growing shortage of skilled talent in high-tech sectors, particularly semiconductors. India, with its vast pool of young IT professionals, is a natural partner. Yet India remains underrepresented in Taiwan’s training programs, which prioritize the US, Europe and Southeast Asia. Integrating Indian talent into these initiatives would not only address Taiwan’s workforce needs, but also align with India’s own semiconductor ambitions.
Fourth is to expand cooperation on cyber and information security.
India has recognized the importance of timely, accurate information, especially in the face of disinformation campaigns. Taiwan, which has long grappled with similar challenges, has valuable expertise to share. Formal government-to-government dialogue in that domain, along with academic exchanges, is urgently needed. A well-supported India studies program in Taiwan would also help foster better understanding and collaboration between the two societies.
Fifth is to resume high-level visits and exchanges.
Leadership-level dialogue matters and lawmakers, as representatives of the people, play a crucial role in shaping foreign partnerships. Resuming state-level visits and parliamentary delegations would reaffirm political will and send a strong message of mutual commitment. Such exchanges would deepen understanding, build trust and help lay the foundation for a more enduring and resilient relationship.
Sixth would be to declare a year of friendship and cooperation between Taipei and New Delhi.
Declarations are not just symbolic; they send a message. Announcing a 12-month period to celebrate and strengthen the partnership would offer both sides a clear mandate to act. It would give substance to the rhetoric and assure stakeholders that the relationship is being taken seriously at the highest levels.
The essence of Taiwan-India ties risks being lost amid geopolitical noise, strategic hesitations and a lack of focus. Willingness exists, but connection and connectivity are lacking.
Taiwan is seeking trusted partners in the region. There is no better avenue than the New Southbound Policy Plus. Likewise, India needs steadfast friends in these turbulent times, especially as it charts its semiconductor future. Taiwan is a viable and a necessary partner.
The anniversary should be leveraged, not as a ceremonial event, but as a springboard for action. It should be a moment of reckoning. Taiwan-India ties have long been called an idea whose time has come, but ideas alone are not enough. If the right steps are not taken now, the moment will pass and the opportunity will be lost.
Do not let that happen. Make this year the year that Taiwan and India move from potential to partnership.
Alan H. Yang is a professor at National Chengchi University’s Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies and executive director at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation.
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