Taipei | Business Upturn

Indian Railway Finance Corporation conducts ECB roadshow in Taiwan and Hong Kong

Business Desk — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:06:03 +0000

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) successfully concluded a two-day External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) roadshow in Taipei, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, aimed at engaging Asia Pacific investors for funding diversification.

The roadshow, held on 10th and 11th March 2026, was led by senior IRFC executives, including Executive Director (HR) Mr. Manish Chandra, Chief General Manager (Admin) Mr. Shwet Ketu Mishra, and General Manager (Finance) Mr. Nav Goel. The initiative sought to broaden IRFC’s lender base and access diversified global capital pools to support India’s infrastructure growth, particularly in railway projects.

During the event, IRFC highlighted its strategic diversification into funding infrastructure projects linked to the railways, emphasising its strong sovereign linkages, NIL NPA status, and low operating costs. Investors showed interest in IRFC’s diversification into high-quality PSU and infrastructure exposures beyond the Ministry of Railways, including funding for dedicated freight corridors, Metro Rails, and Ports.

The roadshow was supported by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, who facilitated investor engagements. Potential lenders expressed confidence in IRFC’s credit profile and business strategy, indicating support for future ECB borrowings.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Taiwan vigilant as Chinese coast guard incursion raises alarm

Aishi Saha — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:44:35 +0000

In a tense maritime standoff, Taiwan forcefully repelled a Chinese coast guard vessel that encroached upon waters near its strategically significant frontline islands. The incident follows a recent confrontation where Chinese authorities boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat, sparking alarm.

Taiwan’s coast guard reported that a Chinese vessel, identified as boat number 8029, ventured into Taiwanese waters near Kinmen on Tuesday morning. Responding promptly, Taiwan dispatched its own coast guard vessel, employing radio communication and broadcasts to drive away the intruding Chinese boat, which eventually retreated after an hour.

Asserting its sovereignty over the Kinmen islands, Taiwan reiterated its commitment to maintaining harmony and security in the region through continuous radar surveillance and patrols. Kinmen, though under Taiwan’s control, lies close to China’s shores, making it a focal point of tension between the two entities.

The recent escalation in tensions comes amidst heightened vigilance in Taipei following the election of Lai Ching-te as president, perceived by Beijing as a pro-independence figure. China’s decision to initiate regular patrols and law enforcement activities around Kinmen further exacerbates the already strained relations between the two sides.

In a related incident, six Chinese coast guard officers boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat to inspect its documentation, causing distress among passengers and crew. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council expressed dismay over the intrusion, emphasizing its negative impact on cross-strait relations.

While both sides have acknowledged accidental incursions by civilian vessels, Taiwan insists that such actions undermine regional stability and jeopardize peace efforts. Kinmen, historically significant due to its proximity to mainland China, remains heavily fortified and strategically vital for Taiwan’s national security.

Despite the provocative actions by Chinese authorities, Taiwan’s Defence Minister urged restraint, advocating for peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation. However, tensions persist as China continues to assert its territorial claims, often disregarding established maritime boundaries.

Analysts suggest that China’s assertiveness towards Taiwan reflects its broader ambitions in the region, fueled by geopolitical considerations and domestic political imperatives. As tensions simmer, the international community closely monitors developments, wary of potential escalation and its implications for regional stability.

Efforts to de-escalate the situation remain paramount, with diplomatic channels crucial in preventing further flare-ups and promoting peaceful coexistence between Taiwan and China.

In response to the incident, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office refrained from immediate comment, while Taiwanese authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding sovereignty and safeguarding regional stability.

Two Chinese fishermen dead post confrontation with Taiwanese coastguard

Aishi Saha — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:05:58 +0000

Two Chinese fishermen lost their lives in a tragic incident off Taiwan’s Kinmen archipelago, following a confrontation with the Taiwanese coastguard. According to Taipei authorities, the fishing vessel had entered Taiwanese waters on Wednesday, prompting intervention from local enforcement.

Reports indicate that the four fishermen aboard resisted inspection, leading to a pursuit by the coastguard. In the ensuing chase, the fishing boat capsized, resulting in the loss of two lives. The remaining crew members were taken to Kinmen for further investigation, with two in stable condition.

Beijing swiftly condemned the incident, expressing strong disapproval and stating that it had deeply affected the sentiments of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The geopolitical significance of Kinmen, located just 3km from China’s southeastern coast, underscores the tensions between China and Taiwan.

China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Recent years have seen heightened activity, with Kinmen residents reporting increased presence of Chinese dredging vessels in the area.

The incident comes amidst escalating tensions, exacerbated by Taiwan’s recent presidential elections which Beijing views as a move towards independence. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has called for a thorough investigation and assistance for the victims’ families, while accusing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of aggressive tactics against Chinese fishermen

In response, Taiwan defended its coastguard’s actions and urged Beijing to restrain similar behaviour in its waters. The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan cited ongoing incursions by Chinese fishing boats into restricted waters, particularly during the Lunar New Year season, resulting in regrettable confrontations.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex dynamics between China and Taiwan, with maritime disputes continuing to fuel tensions. Efforts to maintain stability in the region remain paramount, with both sides urged to engage in dialogue to prevent further incidents and foster mutual understanding.

As the international community watches closely, the tragic loss of life underscores the need for peaceful resolution and respect for maritime boundaries in the volatile Taiwan Strait.

India reaffirms clear policy on Taiwan encouraging bilateral engagement

Viditha Ganji — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:34:59 +0000

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India reiterated its policy on Taiwan, stating that it promotes engagement with the island nation across various sectors, including trade and investment. The MEA’s comments came in response to Taiwan’s announcement of establishing a Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in Mumbai, emphasizing the need to understand the move in the context of the existing bilateral cooperation.

“Our policy on Taiwan is clear and consistent. The government facilitates and promotes interactions in areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and other such people-to-people contacts and exchanges,” stated Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the MEA, when asked about Taiwan’s decision. He further emphasized that Taiwan’s establishment of the TECC in Mumbai should be viewed within the framework of this comprehensive engagement.

Taiwan’s decision to set up the TECC in Mumbai aligns with the ongoing trend of leading Taiwanese companies exploring opportunities to relocate their production bases from China to India, the United States, and European countries. This shift comes amid the strained relations between Taipei and Beijing. The relationship between China and Taiwan has been under increasing tension since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the self-governed island in August last year.

Currently, Taiwan has TECCs in Delhi and Chennai, which have played a significant role in fostering bilateral trade and investment relations. The establishment of the TECC in Mumbai is seen as a substantial signal from both New Delhi and Taipei to enhance the overall trajectory of their ties. India is particularly interested in attracting leading Taiwanese companies, including chip producers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker and an Apple supplier.

According to the Taiwanese foreign ministry, the decision to establish the TECC in Mumbai is a result of the “significant progress” made in cooperation between India and Taiwan across various sectors, including trade, critical supply chains, science and technology, culture, and education. The Taiwanese government aims to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries through the establishment of the TECC in Mumbai. The ministry also highlighted that since the establishment of the TECC in Chennai in 2012, nearly 60% of Taiwanese businesses investing and opening factories in India have chosen to develop their operations in southern India.

China views Taiwan as its breakaway province and insists on its unification with the mainland, even by force if necessary. However, Taiwan considers itself an independent and sovereign nation. Although India and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties, bilateral trade relations have been growing steadily.

In 1995, the Indian government established the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei to foster interactions and facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two sides. The ITA has also been authorized to provide consular and passport services. Similarly, Taiwan established the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Delhi during the same year.

The establishment of the TECC in Mumbai marks another significant step in enhancing cooperation and deepening ties between India and Taiwan, reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations.