Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 25, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Namaste and good evening!
I am delighted to celebrate the India Summer Festival with so many friends here today. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to thank Director General Yadav for inviting me to this wonderful event showcasing India’s rich culture and marking the arrival of summer.
In recent years, Taiwan-India relations have grown steadily, particularly with regard to trade, technology, healthcare, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Taiwanese businesses frequently visit India for economic and trade investment surveys, and the number of Indian students studying in Taiwan has doubled since 2015. These exchanges have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures. Indeed, Taiwan boasts more than 100 Indian dance troupes. And in Taipei alone, there are over 50 Indian restaurants offering authentic Indian cuisine. I hope that our Indian friends will share their favorite spots and recommend a few hidden gems. If you’re concerned about your favorite place being too popular, please tell me privately.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the India-Taipei Association and the Indian diaspora in Taiwan for their efforts to promote India’s diverse and unique traditions. This has greatly enhanced the friendship between our two nations, creating more avenues for bilateral cooperation. Taiwan and India are both vibrant and resilient democracies. Our shared values and mutual trust form the bedrock of our solid relations. MOFA will continue to work with India to further substantive ties and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
My colleagues told me that they had a great time celebrating the Holi festival this spring and are looking forward to participating today’s India Summer Festival. I can’t wait to see what DG Yadav has to offer in this autumn and winter.
In closing, I would like to quote the great poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, who said “let life be beautiful like summer flowers.” May you all have a splendid summer and please enjoy the music, dancing, and delicacies this weekend. Thank you!