Indian Cross‑Party Delegation Visits Taiwan as Trade Hits $12.5 Billion

Context From May 4 to 9, Taiwan welcomed a cross‑party Indian delegation at the invitation of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group, described as “new generation political leaders,” includes representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party, National People’s Party, Indian National Congress and Shiv Sena UBT. Taiwan, which lacks formal diplomatic ties with India, uses representative offices – the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi and the India‑Taipei Association in Taipei – to manage relations.

Key Facts - Trade between the two economies reached roughly $12.5 billion in 2025, a marked rise from the previous year. Taiwanese exports to India exceeded $9 billion, while Indian imports to Taiwan topped $3 billion, driven by electronics, ICT (information and communication technology) and manufacturing. - More than 300 Taiwanese firms have invested in Indian sectors such as petrochemicals, automotive components and construction, supported by initiatives like the Taiwan‑India CEO Roundtable. - Around 3,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Taiwanese universities, benefiting from scholarships and exchange programmes that include semiconductor training. - The delegation’s itinerary features meetings with government agencies and cultural events designed to showcase Taiwan’s democratic practices, human‑rights record and technological advances.

What It Means The visit signals a deepening of informal ties at a time when both sides seek to diversify trade and technology partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific. For India, engaging with Taiwan offers access to advanced manufacturing and a reliable source of high‑tech components. For Taiwan, the outreach aligns with its New Southbound Policy, which aims to broaden economic links beyond traditional partners. The presence of emerging Indian leaders may translate into future policy support for expanded cooperation, especially in education and joint research.

Looking ahead, observers will watch whether the delegation’s discussions lead to concrete agreements on trade, technology transfer and student mobility, and how both capitals navigate the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding their unofficial relationship.