Insights from an Inspiring Talk by the Indian Diplomat to Taiwan: Strengthening India-Taiwan Relations

In March 2018 , while pursuing my Global MBA in Taiwan, I had the unique opportunity to attend a talk by Mr. Sridharan Madhusudhanan, the Director General of the India Taipei Association. This event, held at National Taiwan University (NTU), was part of NTU’s Ambassador Day, where students and faculty gather monthly to hear from diplomats and international leaders. Mr. Madhusudhanan’s talk on the growing India-Taiwan relationship left a deep impression on me, especially as an aspiring entrepreneur keen on fostering connections between Taiwan and India.

The event was organized by NTU’s Provisional Office of the International College, and the enthusiasm among NTU students was clear from the beginning. Students from various backgrounds expressed a strong interest in understanding India’s rapid growth and its potential as a partner in trade, technology, and culture. NTU faculty members also emphasized how vital it was for Taiwan to cultivate relationships with major global players like India.

Understanding the “Links, Logic, and Leverage”

Mr. Madhusudhanan focused his talk on the mutual benefits of India-Taiwan relations, presenting it in a way that was both approachable and eye-opening. He broke down the relationship into what he called the "links, logic, and leverage" between the two countries. Visible links, like the shared values of yoga, meditation, and spirituality, are only the beginning. He went further, highlighting that both nations share a resilient spirit—a quality he referred to as an "invisible link." His example of the success of the Indian film Dangal in Taiwan underscored this connection, showing how both societies identify with the determination to overcome obstacles.

The Promise of Bilateral Growth

What stood out most to me was his discussion of the economic logic behind a stronger India-Taiwan relationship. Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and India’s Act East Policy complement each other well, and Mr. Madhusudhanan pointed out the symbiotic potential of linking India’s young workforce with Taiwan’s aging population. Such a partnership could offer not only trade benefits but also opportunities for knowledge exchange and labor balance.

Additionally, India’s impressive strides in innovation—like the cost-effective Mars mission—resonate deeply with Taiwan’s own achievements in technology. This vision of both countries innovating for ordinary people instead of just focusing on the elite struck a chord with many of us in the audience. The talk left us considering new paths for cooperation, from technology to public health and beyond.

Bridging the Gap in Education and Startups

One area Mr. Madhusudhanan highlighted was the underutilized potential for educational exchanges between India and Taiwan. NTU’s Vice President of Academic Affairs noted that while NTU is the top university in Taiwan, few Taiwanese students choose India as their first destination for exchange programs. Likewise, Indian students often prioritize North America and Europe for higher education. Mr. Madhusudhanan encouraged us to explore niche markets and find value in these cross-cultural exchanges, emphasizing how such programs could foster deeper connections.

On a personal level, this talk also reinforced my decision to test my startup prototype in Taiwan. Taiwan’s affordable living costs and pro-innovation environment make it a practical choice for budding entrepreneurs. With Taiwan’s growing community of Indian students and startups, I believe there’s an incredible opportunity for those interested in exploring Asia and building a business.

Growing Potential

Today, the number of Indian students in Taiwan is steadily rising, thanks in part to initiatives by the India Taipei Association. With support for higher education and technology-focused programs, the goal of bringing 10,000 Indian students to Taiwan feels within reach. I believe that as these numbers grow, we’ll see more collaborations between Taiwan and India, strengthening our shared interests and driving regional innovation.

Reflecting on Mr. Madhusudhanan’s talk, I feel grateful to have been a part of a meaningful exchange that expanded my perspective on what India-Taiwan relations could achieve. For those interested in Asia’s economic landscape and in exploring new partnerships, I encourage you to consider Taiwan as a starting point for your journey. Together, India and Taiwan can create a future that values innovation, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

Source Link

Event Date: March 20, 2018