Premier Chen Chien-jen (right) presents a gift to Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, director-general of India Taipei Association, Sept. 12 in the capital. (Courtesy of Executive Yuan)
 

Premier Chen Chien-jen met with Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, the recently sworn in director-general of India Taipei Association, Sept. 12 at the Executive Yuan, pledging to continue expanding ties with the South Asian country to the benefit of both sides.

Yadav is a senior official and veteran diplomat with expertise in a wide range of fields, including foreign affairs, national defense, trade, and science and technology, Chen said. His appointment reflects the increasing importance the Indian government attaches to its relations with Taiwan, the premier added.

According to Chen, India became the fifth-largest economy in 2022 and the most populous nation in the world this year. With its massive market and demographic dividends, the New Southbound Policy partner country is also a top investment destination for businesses around the globe, he said.

The relationship between Taiwan and India has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and progress has been particularly significant in the areas of culture, education, supply chains and trade, Chen said, citing the record high US$8.4 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2022 as well as the 3,000 Indian students in Taiwan. With the 27th Taiwan Education Center and a new economic and cultural office in Mumbai in the works, the premier expects two-way cooperation and exchanges to reach new heights.

Chen said that as China continues its authoritarian expansion in the region, Taiwan welcomes India’s involvement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework to address such regional and global challenges. The government will continue to deepen ties with India and other like-minded partners to ensure peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond, the premier added.

In response, Yadav said Taiwan and India are both democracies committed to promoting diversity and respect for human rights. Given their commonalities and the complementary nature of their respective economic development, Yadav expects the partnership to grow apace going forward. (SFC-E)