TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan hopes to sign a Free Trade Agreement with India, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Wednesday, according to Indian media reports.
Lin told The Statesman that a trade deal would allow the two countries to build a comprehensive economic partnership and serve as a response to challenges posed by US tariffs.
Deputy Trade Representative Yen Huai-shing (顏慧欣) pointed to the recent UK-India trade pact as a potential model, saying a Taiwan-India FTA could boost cooperation in areas such as semiconductors.
Yen noted that India is a key partner under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which covers 18 countries in South and Southeast Asia. Several Taiwanese firms, including iPhone assembler Foxconn Technology, have already set up factories in India amid shifting global supply chains. However, Yen said New Delhi must provide stronger incentives for Taiwanese investors.
Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research Director Liu Da-nien (劉大年) said the two economies are complementary, with India strong in software and Taiwan a leader in hardware. He added that India will need to withstand pressure from China if it pursues closer trade ties with Taiwan.
Aug. 27, 2025 20:44
Matthew Strong
Taiwan News, Staff Writer