By Wu Qiaoxi | 2026-02-10

The forging of technological ties between India and Taiwan continues to gain momentum.

India's new representative to Taiwan, Ninad Deshpande, has signaled plans to broaden people-to-people links and deepen industrial cooperation in high-tech and value-added sectors. Speaking at his first major public appearance since taking office, Deshpande emphasized expanding practical engagement despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Taipei.

Both India and Taiwan have rivalries and disputes with China.

He delivered his remarks at a reception in Taipei January 26, marking India's 77th Republic Day. Indo-Taiwanese ties have shown "steady and substantive progress," Deshpande, who became director-general of the India Taipei Association on January 2, said, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency.

Flourishing tech partnerships

Partnerships in electronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are driving "capacity-building, skills development and long-term value creation," he said.

Taiwan's strengths in innovation and industrial excellence align naturally with India's economic and institutional reforms, he said. India is focused on enhancing manufacturing capabilities and improving its investment environment through digital and physical infrastructure upgrades.

Deshpande described these efforts as part of a mutual goal to build a resilient and trusted industrial ecosystem, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported.

Indo-Taiwanese cooperation is supported by more than 20 memoranda of understanding and annual trade reaching approximately $10 billion. Deshpande pointed to growing educational ties, with more than 3,000 Indian students now studying in Taiwan. This momentum will remain forward-looking and pragmatic, he predicted.

"As we enter the Year of the Horse -- a symbol of energy, endurance and steady progress -- we are confident that our cooperation will continue to move with purpose, resilience and momentum," Deshpande said. During his speech, he offered a festive greeting in Chinese, wishing attendees success and good luck in the coming lunar year.

Taiwanese Vice Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger also addressed the reception, stating that two-way trade hit a record $12.5 billion in 2025. Ger, who served as Taiwan's representative to India until last year, noted that more than 260 Taiwanese companies have invested in India. He described India as a critical partner under Taiwan's New Southbound Policy and emphasized a joint commitment to supply chain resilience.

Beyond economic links, the relationship is built on shared values and a commitment to regional stability, said Ger. He cited India's recent calls for peaceful solutions in the Indo-Pacific and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in maritime affairs. Future potential for collaboration also exists in emerging fields such as low-orbit satellites, green energy and artificial intelligence (AI).

Cooperation on AI

Broadening this vision in a February 6 op-ed published by CommonWealth Magazine, Deshpande identified AI as a practical next step for cooperation. He suggested Taiwan could contribute its strengths in high-performance hardware and advanced manufacturing, while India provides scale deployment and public-service integration.

As AI shifts from "innovation" toward governance and "real-world impact across society," he wrote, exchanges on trust, institutional readiness and practical implementation can be "mutually reinforcing" for both sides.

Deshpande is a career diplomat who has served since 2005 and possesses extensive experience in East Asian affairs.

Before his posting to Taipei, he served in Geneva as India's ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. His previous overseas assignments include roles in Beijing, Shanghai, Bangladesh and Singapore.