Taiwan is actively considering making it easier for Indian citizens to travel to the island by implementing a visa-on-arrival (VoA) policy. This potential change, welcomed by Indian travelers, was revealed by Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Tien Chung-kwang, during an interview in Taipei. He acknowledged the significant number of outbound Indian travelers and highlighted the potential benefits of streamlining the visa process. While the idea is being considered seriously, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need for internal discussions with Taiwan’s Immigration Department before any official decision is made. He stressed the collaborative nature of such a policy shift, stating, “We are going to talk with the Immigration Department. The Government can’t single-handedly (do it), we have to discuss internally.”
This development comes as a result of the strengthening relationship between Taiwan and India, marked by a growing commercial partnership and relaxed visa requirements. The two nations have a shared history of diplomatic engagement, with Taiwan actively seeking to expand its presence in the region through its “New Southbound Policy,” which considers India a crucial partner. The move also follows the recent message exchange between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te following the latter’s election victory. This exchange sparked a protest from China, which continues to claim Taiwan as its own territory. Despite China’s objection, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister firmly stated, “I am sure Modi ji and our President will not be intimidated by that reaction.”
China’s claim over Taiwan has been consistently reiterated, with the Chinese Embassy in India stating that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of Chinese land. The embassy spokeswoman further emphasized the adherence to the one-China policy, which it claims is a globally accepted standard for international interactions.
In recent years, the commercial partnership between Taiwan and India has significantly expanded, with Taiwan viewing India as a vital partner in its “New Southbound Policy.” The two nations have even inked a migration agreement that permits Indian workers to contribute to Taiwanese industries.
The potential implementation of visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens reflects Taiwan’s commitment to facilitating tourism and business travel from India, showcasing a strong relationship that continues to develop despite ongoing regional tensions.
