The third “Taiwan-India Dialogue” was held on the 14th, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tan Zhongguang emphasizing, “As democratic countries, Taiwan and India should join hands in addressing authoritarian expansion threats and security challenges, especially with the new U.S. government set to take office in January next year, calling for Taiwan, the U.S., and India to strengthen trilateral cooperation.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that Deputy Minister Tan Zhongguang attended the third “Taiwan-India Dialogue” co-organized by the Indian think tank “Observer Research Foundation” (ORF) and the “Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation” on the 14th. This showcased the Republic of China government’s commitment to and efforts in deepening the increasingly growing bilateral relationship. Chairman of the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation, Xiao Xinhong, ORF President, and President of India-Taipei Association (ITA) Yadav Manharsinh, along with other relevant figures, also participated in in-depth discussions.
In his opening speech, Tan Zhongguang stated that in recent years under Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy,” Taiwan-India relations have made good progress in areas such as trade and investment, technology, and education. Recent developments include Prime Minister Modi mentioning Taiwan on multiple occasions, the signing of a memorandum on labor cooperation between Taiwan and India, the formal establishment and operation of the Republic of China’s office in Mumbai, and the upcoming 30th anniversary of mutual setup for consulates between Taiwan and India. With over 250 Taiwanese businesses in India, bilateral exchanges are expected to continue expanding.
Tan Zhongguang reiterated that as democratic countries, the Republic of China and India should work together to address authoritarian expansion threats and security challenges. Especially with the new U.S. government set to take office in January next year, he called for Taiwan, the U.S., and India to strengthen trilateral cooperation. He also urged the Indian government to support the resumption of direct flights between Taiwan and India and to jointly promote and deepen bilateral economic, cultural, and intellectual youth exchanges.
Furthermore, on the 13th, Tan Zhongguang welcomed President Sallan and his delegation at a luncheon, expressing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITA recently held a Diwali celebration at the Taipei Guest House, showcasing the increasing warmth in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Taiwan is a force for good in the international community and is willing to make meaningful contributions in a practical manner. President Lai Ching-te’s promotion of the “Youth Billion Overseas Dream Fund” encourages Taiwanese youth to study and exchange abroad, with hopes for cooperation and response from India.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that India is a key partner country in Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy,” and the Republic of China will continue to promote interaction and substantive cooperation in various fields with India, deepening friendship and collectively promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, the article mentions the second “Blade of Freedom” large-scale joint military exercise.