TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Foreign Minister Joseph Wu on Friday (November 24) welcomed Indians to Taiwan at the Diwali celebration hosted by the Taipei Indian Music Center at the Taipei Guest House.

As part of the Taiwan government’s efforts to promote diversity and support migrants, Wu said he hoped more Indians would visit Taiwan and welcomed them to consider Taiwan as their second home, according to a press release. He thanked India for its continued support and friendship and stated, “I love India.”

Minister Wu thanked Jeffery Wu, founder of Taipei India Music Center, and Dr. Priya Lalwani Purswaney, founder of Indians in Taiwan – IiT, for organizing Diwali celebration for the fourth consecutive year. Over the last decade, both individuals have worked hard to promote Indian culture and understanding in Taiwan.

Diwali celebration at Taipei Indian Music Center on November 24, 2023. (Indians in Taiwan – IiT photo)

Minister Wu acknowledged the growing relationship between Taiwan and India in recent years, with bilateral trade set to reach a record $8.4 billion in 2022. There are also over 3,000 Indian students studying in Taiwan, including 300 PhD students.

The Diwali celebration, the “Festival of Lights,” featured traditional dance and music performances, food and other displays of Indian culture. Although the main date of the celebrations was November 12, the events were spread across the month to give everyone an opportunity to take part in the celebrations, Priya said.

The November 24 event was attended by around 250 people and brought together Taiwanese and the Indian community, including business people, think tank scholars, students and members of cultural and civil society organizations. Speakers included Mr. Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, Director General of the India Taipei Association (ITA), MP Wu Yu-cing (吳玉琴), Chairman of the Taiwan-India Parliamentary Friendship Association, and Jeffery Wu.

Diwali celebration at Taipei Indian Music Center on November 24, 2023. (Indians in Taiwan – IiT photo)

Director General Yadav said the event symbolized “Taiwan’s respect for and acceptance of diverse cultures.” He emphasized the important role played by the Indian community in Taiwan’s economic development and the potential for future cooperation in high-tech fields.

Rep. Wu acknowledged that some recent reactions to the MoU on Indian migrant workers have been negative, but emphasized the value of exchanges between Taiwan and India. She added that after arriving in Taiwan, Indian friends would soon realize the friendly and hospitable environment of Taiwan.

Jeffery Wu thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for its efforts to advance Taiwan-India relations over the past two decades and for supporting the Diwali celebration.

Diwali celebration at Taipei Indian Music Center on November 24, 2023. (Indians in Taiwan – IiT photo)

In response to a congratulatory message from President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on X (Twitter), Indians in Taiwan – IiT wrote: “Thank you President @iingwen. Here in Taiwan, we celebrate Diwali all month long. We have been hosting a Diwali event on the island every weekend since November 5th. The last one will be held at MCUT on November 26th.” “The first by @ita_taipei on November 5th kicked off the festive season with a fantastic fireworks display, and the MOFA event on November 24th brings us to a fitting climax to this historic one Venue,” it continues.

For those who missed previous events or want to attend more, there will be a final Diwali celebration at Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) on Sunday (November 26) between 5pm and 8pm with cultural performances, food and an open Garba. Event details with this link.