India is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Taiwan to strengthen economic ties, contemplating the dispatch of a substantial number of Indian workers to Taiwan as part of a potential agreement. This move aims to address Taiwan’s need for additional labor due to its aging population and India’s goal of creating employment opportunities for its burgeoning workforce. The discussions suggest the possibility of hiring up to 100,000 Indian workers across various sectors in Taiwan.
However, this potential collaboration has the potential to escalate geopolitical tensions with China, as Beijing staunchly opposes official exchanges with Taiwan, considering it an integral part of its territory. While the pact doesn’t necessarily signal a departure from India’s “One China Policy,” the absence of recent public reiterations of this stance and the fostering of an active unofficial relationship with Taiwan could contribute to strained relations.
Negotiations for the India-Taiwan jobs pact are expected to be finalized soon, with an employment mobility agreement potentially being signed as early as December. Taiwan, facing a labor shortage, is offering attractive incentives such as pay parity and insurance policies to entice Indian workers.
🚨 After Israel, Taiwan wants 1 lakh Indian workers for factories, farms and hospitals. pic.twitter.com/nGuHG5m9G8
— Indians With Attitude (@IWApodcast) November 10, 2023
This move by India is part of a broader strategy, as the country has been actively pursuing employment agreements with various nations, including Japan, France, and the UK. The overarching goal is to generate employment opportunities for the Indian workforce.
The article also touches upon the persistent tensions between India and China since the 2020 border clash, with both nations engaging in military build-ups in the Himalayan region. Notably, former Indian military chiefs visiting Taiwan for a security conference drew objections from Beijing. Despite these geopolitical complexities, Taiwan and India maintain an existing investment promotion pact signed in 2018.