Taiwan sees India as Key Economic Partner, unfazed by US tariffs and China ties

As global power dynamics undergo significant changes with escalating trade tensions, rising US tariffs, and India deepening its engagement with the Global South, Taiwan has reiterated its long-term commitment to India. Speaking at the Taiwan Expo 2025 in New Delhi, James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA (the Taiwan External Trade Development Council), emphasized that the Taiwan-India economic relationship will continue to strengthen, regardless of India’s shifting foreign policy or geopolitical alignments.

“India, by itself, is a huge market of 1.4 billion people and some of the best talent in the world,” James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA told The Pioneer. “Whether India strengthens ties with the United States, the Global South, or even China, our economic cooperation will remain strong. Our companies see long-term value here.” The remarks came amid growing speculation on how India’s geopolitical decisions—especially in relation to the US, China, and the Global South—might impact its foreign investments.

Taiwanese leaders dismissed any such concerns, saying their investment plans are based on India’s economic fundamentals, not diplomatic alignments. Taiwan also highlighted India’s rapidly growing stature as a global economic player. With India now the fourth-largest economy in the world and projected to become the second or third largest by 2050, Taiwan sees an unmatched opportunity. “Geopolitical shifts are short-term,” the official added. “But India’s rise is long-term. Taiwanese companies will continue to invest and support India’s ‘Make in India’ policy.”

At the Taiwan Expo, Taiwanese tech giants such as Foxconn, Delta Electronics, and Advantech showcased their contributions to India’s economy. Foxconn, for example, has already created over 72,000 jobs in India and continues to expand its presence across seven states. The Expo also focused heavily on semiconductor collaboration. Taiwanese officials confirmed that Indian companies are already working closely with partners from Japan and Taiwan to set up domestic semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

“The potential is huge,” one official noted. “No serious company in this sector can afford to overlook India anymore.” As India and the US navigate trade disputes, including new tariffs, Taiwan expressed confidence that these short-term issues won’t affect its business with India. “India has a long friendship with the US, and we believe those issues will be resolved. But either way, our engagement with India will continue.”

The Taiwan Expo 2025, organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), brought together 107 Taiwanese companies. The event featured the Smart Manufacturing Pavilion: Automation, robotics, and precision engineering tools. Digital India Zone: Cloud computing, hydrogen energy systems, and drone tech. Electronics Manufacturing Zone: Contributions from Foxconn, U-CAN and others.

Taiwan Excellence Pavilion: AI solutions, smart healthcare, and tech innovation. Taiwan Select Food Pavilion: A debut feature with 40 companies offering bubble tea, noodles, and plant-based snacks. This year’s Expo also aligned directly with key Indian initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, and the push for self-reliant electronics manufacturing.

As the world adjusts to a new economic reality, Taiwan is making its bet clear: India is central to its plans. And while others may reconsider their strategies based on global tensions, Taiwan is choosing to go deeper. “This is not just about trade,” a Taiwanese official said. “It’s about a strategic partnership built on trust, opportunity, and long-term growth.”