Home Editor's Pick Taiwan Plays An Indispensable Role In Semiconductors Supply Chain

Taiwan Plays An Indispensable Role In Semiconductors Supply Chain

Prof Lin with Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha
Taiwanese Professor Lin (L) with Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Chairman Trustee Board, India Foundation, at a recent discussion, in New Delhi

Lin, Hsiao-Chen, a Taiwanese Professor, is convinced that India-Taiwan collaboration in the semiconductors sector can be a win-win situation for both countries.

“It is in India’s interest to source semi-conductor technology directly from Taiwan ,’’ she emphasized at an event organized by India Foundation recently.

Semiconductor Supply Chain Is A Strategic Resource

Speaking on ‘ India-Taiwan Relations Under The Indo Pacific Strategy’, she said, “The semiconductor supply chain is a strategic resource.”

Dr Lin, Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, Tamkang University, Taiwan, said, “We are Chip 4 leaders.”

Even America Relies On Taiwan

“Even America relies on Taiwan. We are very good at building supply chains.’’

She drew attention to the globally acknowledged strength of the Taiwanese companies in semiconductor supply chains.

Lin said that this strength can work wonders to realize India’s aspirations to be a semiconductor hub.

More Meaningful Engagement

A member of the QDR committee of the Taiwanese Defence Ministry, Lin is looking forward to more meaningful engagement with India.

Besides, she said, “Taiwan is one of the members of the Chip 4 Alliance.”

In short, the alliance includes four of the world’s top producers of semiconductors- the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.

She said that non integration of Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain in India’s economy, is impeding realization of the full potential of the Indo Pacific alliance.

China Surprised?

Lin further said that India’s rapid technological advancement has surprised China.

She went on to say that China is using military tactics to discourage Taiwanese tech giants who could have augmented India’s growth.

Nitin A Gokhale WhatsApp Channel

A Paper To Mark 30th Anniversary

Significantly, India and Taiwan hope to publish a paper to mark thirty years of their ties in October 2025.

Dr Lin, the first Taiwanese student to have earned a Ph.D from JNU

Dr Lin, the first Taiwanese student to have earned a Ph.D from JNU, wants India to recognize the Taiwanese strength in making chips.

 Taiwan plays a very crucial role in the semi-conductors supply chain.

“ Our priority should be to focus our energies on setting up a smooth supply chain in India.’’

Seamless Functioning

She said that seamless functioning of the semi- conductor supply chain is an important factor in ensuring the Indo Pacific security.

Modi’s Aspirations

Notably, Prime Minster Narendra Modi is keen to make India a manufacturing hub of semiconductors, in his third term.

On February 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam.

Tata Electronics will set up this unit.

Total Investment

The total investment is of ₹27,000 crore and is likely to create 15,000 direct jobs.

Furthermore, all three major technologies used in the plant are developed in India.

The chips will be used in electric vehicles and communication and network infrastructure for major companies.