Make in India Powers Defence Growth

Source: Government of India

Make in India Powers Defence Growth

Production hit ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, Exports cross ₹21,000 crore

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

Summary

India’s defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 174% rise since 2014-15, driven by the Make in India initiative.

Defence exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, expanding 30 times in a decade, with exports to 100+ countries.

Initiatives like iDEX and SAMARTHYA are driving technological advancements in AI, cyber warfare, and indigenous weapon systems.

14,000+ items indigenised under SRIJAN and 3,000 under Positive Indigenisation Lists.

India aims for ₹3 lakh crore in production, ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

Summary

Introduction

India’s defence production has grown at an extraordinary pace since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative, reaching a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. Once dependent on foreign suppliers, the country now stands as a rising force in indigenous manufacturing, shaping its military strength through homegrown capabilities. This shift reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance, ensuring that India not only meets its security needs but also builds a robust defence industry that contributes to economic growth.

Strategic policies have fuelled this momentum, encouraging private participation, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms. The surge in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, underlines the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure.

This commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is reflected in the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a significant step in enhancing the Army’s firepower. The deal includes 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns along with 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, equipping 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a cutting-edge artillery system with a 40+ km range, advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and recoil management, thoroughly tested by the Indian Army in all terrains.

With modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems, and cutting-edge weaponry being built within the country, India is now a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.

 

Surge in Indigenous Defence Production

India has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining Atmanirbharta. The value of defence production has surged to a record high of ₹1,27,265 crore, marking an impressive 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to data from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units manufacturing defence items, and private companies.

This growth has been bolstered by the Make in India initiative, which has enabled the development of advanced military platforms including the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, and Software Defined Radio (SDR), as well as naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels.

 

Key points:

  • 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence.

 

  • A robust defence industrial base includes 16 DPSUs, over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 MSMEs, strengthening indigenous production capabilities.

 

  • The private sector plays a crucial role, contributing 21% to total defence production, fostering innovation and efficiency.

 

  • India targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, reinforcing its position as a global defence manufacturing hub.

Unprecedented Growth in Defence Exports

India’s expanding global footprint in defence manufacturing is a direct result of its commitment to self-reliance and strategic policy interventions. Defence exports have surged from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 30-fold increase over the past decade.

Key points:

 

  • Defence exports have grown 21 times, from ₹4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to ₹88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global defence sector.

 

  • Defence exports surged by 32.5% year-on-year, rising from ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.

 

  • India’s diverse export portfolio includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.
  • Notably, ‘Made in Bihar’ boots are now part of the Russian Army’s gear, highlighting India’s high manufacturing standards.

 

  • India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia emerging as the top buyers in 2023-24.

 

  • The government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, reinforcing India’s role as a global defence manufacturing hub while boosting economic growth.

 

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Launched in April 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has created a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace. By engaging MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, iDEX has provided grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for developing innovative technologies. To further enhance self-reliance in defence technology, ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 startups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts signed.

 

 

The scheme has three key objectives:

 

  1. Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenised, and innovative technologies for the Indian Defence and Aerospace sector, to meet their needs in a shorter time span.

 

  1. Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for Defence and Aerospace sectors.

 

  1. Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.

 

The recently launched ADITI scheme aims to support critical and strategic technologies such as satellite communication, advanced cyber technology, autonomous weapons, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, nuclear technologies, and underwater surveillance. Under this scheme, grants of up to ₹25 crore are provided to innovators.

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and MSMEs, the Ministry of Defence has also cleared procurement of 43 items worth over ₹2,400 crore from iDEX startups and MSMEs for the Armed Forces as of February 2025. Additionally, projects worth over ₹1,500 crore have been approved for development.

SAMARTHYA: Showcasing India’s Defence Indigenisation

The success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector was highlighted at the Aero India 2025 event ‘SAMARTHYA’, which showcased India’s progress in defence manufacturing. The event featured 33 major indigenised items, including 24 developed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Navy, along with nine successful innovation projects from iDEX.

Among the key indigenised items displayed were:

  • Electro Block of the Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun
  • Electric Mobile Part for Submarines
  • Torsion Bar Suspension for HMV 6×6
  • Extruded Aluminium Alloy for LCA MK-I/II and LCH Components
  • Indian High-Temperature Alloy (IHTA)
  • VPX-135 Single Board Computer
  • Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range)
  • RudraM II Missile
  • C4ISR System
  • DIFM R118 Electronic Warfare Systems

 

The event further highlighted breakthroughs in AI-driven analytical platforms, next-generation surveillance systems, quantum-secure communication technologies, and counter-drone measures. Innovations like the 4G/LTE TAC-LAN, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, Smart Compressed Breathing Apparatus, and Advanced Autonomous Systems for the Armed Forces reflect India’s evolving defence landscape.

Efforts are ongoing to bridge the gap between the Indian Army’s operational challenges and the innovative solutions developed by academia, industry startups, and research institutions. Additionally, the focus remains on conducting multi-domain operations in a data-centric environment, especially in light of emerging transformative technologies.

SAMARTHYA stands as a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, reinforcing its ability to develop advanced, home-grown solutions for national security.

 

Advancing Self-Reliance

India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign suppliers. Through strategic policies and indigenous innovation, the country is developing cutting-edge military platforms, strengthening both national security and economic growth.

 

 

Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN)

  • Launched by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) in August 2020 to promote indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Serves as a common platform for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Armed Forces (SHQs) to list imported items for domestic manufacturing.
  • As of February 2025, over 38,000 items are available, with more than 14,000 successfully indigenised.

 

Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs)

  • The Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) have issued five Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) for LRUs, assemblies, sub-assemblies, sub-systems, spares, components, and high-end materials.
  • These lists set fixed timelines beyond which procurement will be restricted to domestic manufacturers.
  • Out of over 5,500 items listed, more than 3,000 have been indigenised as of February 2025.
  • Key indigenised technologies include artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars, wheeled armoured platforms, rockets, bombs, armoured command post vehicles, and armoured dozers.

 

 

Defence Industrial Corridors

  • Two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost defence manufacturing. These corridors provide incentives to companies investing in the sector.
  • Investments worth more than Rs 8,658 crore have already been made in the 6 nodes of UP viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow and 5 nodes of Tamil Nadu viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli.
  • As of February 2025, 253 MoUs have been signed, with a potential investment of ₹53,439 crore.

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

  • The government has introduced several measures to improve ease of doing business in the defence manufacturing sector.
  • The validity of export authorisation for parts and components has been extended from two years to the completion of the order or component, whichever is later.
  • In 2019, the Defence Product List was streamlined to reduce the number of items requiring a manufacturing licence.
  • Parts and components of defence items were de-licensed in September 2019 to encourage investment.
  • The validity of defence licences under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, has been extended from three years to 15 years, with a further extension option of up to 18 years.
  • Over 700 industrial licences have been issued to 436 companies in the defence sector.
  • The introduction of an end-to-end digital export authorisation system has improved efficiency, with more than 1,500 authorisations issued in the last financial year.

 

MAKE Projects: Driving Indigenous Defence Innovation

The MAKE procedure was first introduced in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2006) to promote indigenous design and development in the defence sector. Over the years, it has been simplified and streamlined through revisions in 2016, 2018, and 2020, ensuring faster development of defence equipment, systems, and components by both public and private industries.

MAKE projects have been divided into three categories:

MAKE-I (Government Funded)

 

  • Up to 70% government funding for prototype development (capped at ₹250 crore per Development Agency).
  • Minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) required.

 

MAKE-II (Industry Funded)

 

  • Focuses on import substitution, encouraging domestic industries to develop critical defence systems.
  • No government funding, with a minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) requirement.

 

MAKE-III (Manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology – ToT)

 

  • Involves manufacturing in India under Technology Transfer (ToT) from Foreign OEMs.
  • No design and development but require a minimum of 60% Indigenous Content (IC).

 

Key points:

 

  • As of March 24, 2025, a total of 145 projects have been undertaken under the MAKE initiative, with the participation of 171 industries, driving indigenous defence production.

 

  • The initiative includes 40 MAKE-I projects (Government Funded), 101 MAKE-II projects (Industry Funded), and 4 MAKE-III projects (Manufacturing through ToT), strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

 

Other Key Initiatives

In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes. From liberalizing foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base. The following points outline the key government initiatives that have been pivotal in driving growth and innovation in the defence sector.

 

  • Liberalized FDI Policy: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector was liberalised in September 2020 to attract foreign investment, allowing up to 74% FDI through the automatic route and above 74% through the government route. Since April 2000, the total FDI in defence industries stands at $21.74 million.

 

  • TATA Aircraft Complex: Tata Aircraft Complex was inaugurated in Vadodara in October 2024 to manufacture C-295 aircraft, boosting Atmanirbharta in defence with 40 made-in-India aircraft out of 56 under the programme.
  • Manthan: The annual defence innovation event, Manthan, held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, brought together leading innovators, startups, MSMEs, academia, investors, and industry leaders from the defence and aerospace sectors, reaffirming confidence in the government’s commitment to technological advancements and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS): DTIS aims to boost indigenisation by providing financial assistance for setting up eight Greenfield testing and certification facilities in the aerospace and defence sector, with seven test facilities already approved in areas like unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and communications.

 

  • Priority for Domestic Procurement: Emphasis is placed on procuring capital items from domestic sources under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020.

 

  • Domestic Procurement Allocation: MoD has earmarked 75% of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,11,544 crore for procurement through domestic industries during the current Financial Year.

 

Conclusion

India’s remarkable strides in defence production and exports underscore its transformation into a self-reliant and globally competitive military manufacturing hub. The combination of strategic policy interventions, increased domestic participation, and a focus on indigenous innovation has significantly strengthened the country’s defence capabilities. The surge in production, the exponential rise in exports, and the success of initiatives like the Make in India reflect India’s commitment to achieving Atmanirbharta in defence. With ambitious targets set for 2029, the nation is poised to further expand its global footprint, reinforcing its position as a dependable partner in the international defence market while enhancing national security and economic growth.

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Ministry of Economic Affairs Announced 2024 Energy Saving Leadership Awards: 40 Winners Reduced Carbon Emissions by 116,000 Tons, Achieving Remarkable Results

Source:

To recognize outstanding enterprises promoting energy conservation and schools excelling in energy education, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the final review meeting for the “2024 Energy Saving Leadership Award and Energy Education Promotion Award” on October 11. A total of 40 winners were selected, collectively saving 29 thousand kiloliters of oil equivalent and 570 million TWD in energy costs, which equalled to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 116 thousand tons, or the annual carbon absorption of 300 Da’an Forest Park, demonstrating exceptional energy-saving achievements.

According to Energy Administration (EA), this year’s Energy Saving Leadership Award received applications from 111 enterprises and 25 primary and secondary schools. After preliminary and final selections, 20 benchmark enterprises and 20 energy education benchmark schools were chosen. The EA will organize a series of follow-up activities, including site visit and online case sharing, for all sectors to learn from the winners.

Highlighting the trend of smart energy management, the EA noted that many benchmark enterprises are utilizing AI and data analytics to implement the smart transition from monitoring to control, effectively saving energy consumption of facilities and further improving manufacturing process. For example, the Gold award-winning Rolling Mill Department III of China Steel Corporation promoted AI smart factory, and significantly optimized furnance efficiency by developing an AI-based “intelligent combustion monitoring system” to replace traditional manual measurements, setting a benchmark for smart management and energy conservation.

Another Gold award recipient, ASE (Advanced Semiconductor Engineering) Kaohsiung Building K5, developed AI-based control technology for chiller systems, optimizing operational temperatures and enhancing energy efficiency in production. The energy-saving experience has been successfully duplicated across other facilities. The plant has also established a Low-Carbon Supply Alliance, focusing on carbon reduction, energy management, and emission control, and promoted plant-wide energy-saving and low-carbon operations through coordination of facility management and manufacturing processes.

In the SME category, the Gold award went to Lung Shing Refrigerating Works Co., for creating an “Unmanned Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Center,” which integrates automated storage and smart management for precise inventory control, significantly reducing labor and energy waste. Lung Shing tackles the issue from the source, and has become an example for all SEMs. Another Golde award-winner, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, implemented liquid oxygen cooling recovery technology to create cost-free air conditioning. The hospital optimized HVAC systems for operating rooms during off-peak hours, and utilized Low-E glass for better insulation, reducing air conditioning loads. Their diverse energy-saving measures offer a valuable reference of retrofitting for other medical facilities.

In the category of energy education, the award-winning schools in each district showcased unique features. For example: Shui Yuan Primary School in Hsinchu City integrated VR experiences and board games to deepen students’ knowledge of energy and sustainability while encouraging community members to replace energy-inefficient appliances; Wong-Zih Elementary School in Taichung City established a STEAM Energy Research Center, fostering independent thinking through energy exploration and digital learning resources, including energy advocacy videos; Tainan Municipal Xigang Junior High School developed a “Cross-Reading Energy” curriculum featuring energy-themed discussions and game-based learning to promote awareness and actions for energy conservation; National Dong Hwa University Experimental Primary School integrated local resources to create the “Hualien Power Map,” inspiring students to explore energy issues and collaborating with neighboring schools in shaping local characteristics, so to expand energy education’s influences.

The Energy Saving Leadership Award aims to share energy-saving experience to inspire more organizations to take action. Through upcoming demonstrations and learning activities, the program seeks to broaden participation and foster a collective movement toward a sustainable and net-zero future.

Spokesperson: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Telephone:02-2775-7700
Mobile:0936-250-838
Email:chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Shu-Fang Kao
Telephone:02-2775-7773
Mobile:0918-400-668
Email:sfkao@moeaea.gov.tw

AI Drives New Digital Trade: The MOEA Helps Firms with Transformation

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To help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan leverage digital technology to explore international markets, the International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a conference on the achievements of the “New Digital Trade Model Program” on November 12, 2024. The event featured the launching of the newly developed AiEZ TRADE and included the sharing of experiences by digital consultants and mentored enterprises. Over 100 companies participated.

At the event, Director General Cynthia Kiang of TITA announced the launching of AiEZ TRADE. She noted that AiEZ TRADE integrates global trade data by using AI technology to provide businesses with diverse services, such as analysis of trade data, recommendations about events and exhibitions, creation of marketing webpages, and recommendations about buyers. Companies only need to input their business registration number to access tailored business insights through AI analysis of vast data bytes, enabling them to quickly grasp the latest global industry and product trends.

Given the global trend of market digitalization, Taiwanese SMEs face increasing pressure of international competition. To address this, TITA offers digital capability assessments and consulting services through this program, thereby helping SMEs identify their digital strengths and weaknesses in overseas marketing. To date, this program has supported over 1,300 companies and enhanced their ability to expand into global markets.

SMEs can access the AiEZ TRADE webpage at (https://www.aieztrade.com/) to directly experience its features. TITA will continue to track the latest developments in digital technology to assist more SMEs in utilizing these tools to vie for international opportunities.

MOFA response to speech by NATO Secretary General Rutte drawing attention to China’s military buildup and bullying of Taiwan

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MOFA response to speech by NATO Secretary General Rutte drawing attention to China’s military buildup and bullying of Taiwan

December 14, 2024  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken note of a speech delivered by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte at an event in Brussels on December 12 that was organized by the think tank Carnegie Europe. In his remarks, titled “To Prevent War, NATO Must Spend More,” Secretary General Rutte called on NATO members to shift to a wartime mindset and turbo-charge defense production and defense spending so as to strengthen deterrence and defend their free and democratic way of life. 
 
Secretary General Rutte also urged all parties to be clear-eyed about China’s ambitions, pointing out that China was substantially building up its forces and bullying Taiwan. In the Q&A session following his speech, Secretary General Rutte said that if Russia were to come out on top in any peace negotiations with Ukraine, China would surely be watching and start nibbling Taiwan. 
 
This was the first public speech given by Secretary General Rutte since he assumed the position on October 1. He used the occasion to draw attention to the nature of China’s expansionist actions and ambitions toward Taiwan, as well as to the challenges posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran to global peace and security. Indeed, Secretary General Rutte’s speech was especially meaningful at a time when authoritarian regimes are expanding their ambitions. 
 
Faced with coordinated efforts by authoritarian countries to undermine regional peace and stability and the international order, Taiwan, as a responsible and democratic member of the global community, will continue to work with such like-minded partners as the G7 and NATO in order to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the wider region.

MOFA response to Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

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MOFA response to Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

December 13, 2024  

The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee on December 12 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the committee opposed China’s inappropriate conflation of UNGA Resolution 2758 with its “one China principle,” rejected China’s claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and advocated for Taiwan’s international participation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and sincerely appreciates this support from the Czech Republic. 
 
The resolution stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 merely addressed China’s representation in the UN; that it did not mention Taiwan or address its political status or participation in the international community; that it did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and that it did not make any decision regarding Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN or any other international organization.
 
Furthermore, the resolution opposed China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and urged China to respect its content and to stop misusing it for its own political ends. The resolution also endorsed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. 
 
MOFA thanks the Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee for speaking in favor of justice for Taiwan and urges the international community to continue to take concrete action to counter China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners around the world to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community and to preserve regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

MOFA response to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi expressing strong concern over China’s military exercises around first island chain

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MOFA response to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi expressing strong concern over China’s military exercises around first island chain

December 12, 2024During a regular press conference on December 11, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were paramount to the security of Japan and the stability of the entire international community. He made the comments in response to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army deploying large numbers of naval and coast guard vessels around the first island chain for days-long, large-scale military exercises. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) appreciates and welcomes the Japanese government’s public expression of strong support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said that the Japanese government had directly conveyed to China its high regard for cross-strait peace at the Japan-China summit in November. He added that Japan would initiate comprehensive countermeasures, further monitor movements in the surrounding waters and airspace, remain alert to subsequent developments, and work closely with the United States and other allies to respond to any situation.Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a matter of international consensus. China’s large-scale military maritime operations have seriously undermined regional peace and stability. MOFA again calls on China to exercise reason and self-restraint and cease all actions that threaten Taiwan and escalate tensions in the region.

MOFA response to China’s statements on President Lai’s phone call with former US House Speaker Pelosi and US approval of arms sale to Taiwan

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MOFA response to China’s statements on President Lai’s phone call with former US House Speaker Pelosi and US approval of arms sale to Taiwan

December 3, 2024 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that on December 2 spokespersons from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense expressed displeasure with and opposition to President Lai Ching-te’s phone call with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the US approval of an arms sale to Taiwan, respectively. In addition to expressing regret at the Chinese government’s inability to understand routine diplomatic practices between democratic countries and its repeated provocative comments, MOFA urges China to exercise reason and self-restraint.
 
Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign nation; that it has the right to autonomously engage with other countries around the world and develop relations with them; that it will not accept interference or suppression from any country for any reason; and that it will not impose limits on itself. MOFA again thanks the US government for continuing to staunchly fulfill its security commitments to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
 
MOFA also again reminds China that any inappropriate overreaction to the ROC (Taiwan) president making routine overseas trips will be detrimental to regional peace and stability and lead to international condemnation.

MOFA response to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring firm opposition to President Lai’s US transit stop

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MOFA response to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring firm opposition to President Lai’s US transit stop

December 1, 2024 

In response to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring firm opposition to Republic of China (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te making a transit stop in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign nation; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan for a single day. President Lai’s stopover in the United States en route to Pacific allies to consolidate friendships is in accordance with customary practice and is an exercise of the legitimate rights of a sovereign nation.
 
MOFA underlines that transit stops made by ROC (Taiwan) presidents are arranged pursuant to long-standing practice. The United States has followed this practice by extending assistance in accordance with the principles of safety, dignity, convenience, and comfort. MOFA thanks the United States for its assistance, which demonstrates that Taiwan-US relations are closer and more cordial than ever before.
 
MOFA further asserts that any overreaction by China to the president of the ROC (Taiwan) conducting normal travel duties would represent an irresponsible attempt to damage regional peace and stability and be subject to the condemnation of the international community.

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Sadovyy

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Sadovyy

Date:2024-12-28
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

December 28, 2024  
No. 468  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on December 27 hosted a luncheon to welcome a Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyy. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the peaceful development of Ukraine, the strengthening of local municipal exchanges, the building of resilient cities, and other initiatives. In addition to sharing with the guests Taiwan’s experience and insights regarding economic transformation and high-tech industrial development, Minister Lin stressed that cities in Taiwan and Ukraine could engage in exchanges at the annual Smart City Summit and Expo held in Taiwan.
 
The visiting delegation thanked the Taiwan government for its humanitarian assistance and support to Ukraine, adding that the Ukrainian people were deeply moved by Taiwan’s goodwill. They expressed the wish that the two countries could further engage in reciprocal support and cooperation on the basis of friendship and mutual trust. 
 
Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, it has become an important hub for other countries to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as well as a major medical base to which wounded soldiers and patients are transferred for follow-up treatment. On December 27, the Taipei Representative Office (TRO) in Poland, the Lviv city government, and the Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care signed a memorandum on cooperation and partnership for the reconstruction of the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. The virtual signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu. The government of Taiwan will fund the renovation of a rehabilitation facility, which will be named the Taiwan Friendship Building to accentuate Taiwan’s donation and friendship. 
 
Speaking as Taiwan’s representative at the MOU signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Wu stated that postsurgery rehabilitation would be available to military personnel and civilians at the Taiwan Friendship Building in the UNBROKEN center and that the Taiwan government would continue to work with Lviv on the basis of mutual trust and support so as to help Ukraine work toward a brighter future amidst current adversity. Mayor Sadovyy presented a briefing on UNBROKEN’s operations and the recovery of those injured. Noting that the rehabilitation facility to be renovated with Taiwan government funding would benefit more Ukrainian patients, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of Taiwan. 
 
UNBROKEN is a national rehabilitation center supported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and overseen by the Lviv city government. The center includes a general hospital, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation center, a surgery facility, a prosthetics manufacturing facility, and temporary housing. To date, more than 940,000 Ukrainian patients have received medical treatment at this nationally renowned center. The facility to be renovated with Taiwan’s assistance is a seven-story building located in the western part of the center. Once the project is completed, it will be home to specialized departments and provide such diverse medical and rehabilitation services as physical therapy, psychological consultations, and prosthetic fittings. It is expected to have the capacity to serve 13,000 patients simultaneously. (E)

MOFA expresses sincere condolences over passing of former Indian Prime Minister Singh

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MOFA expresses sincere condolences over passing of former Indian Prime Minister Singh

Date:2024-12-28
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

December 28, 2024No. 469Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends sincere condolences over his passing and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to convey its sympathies to the government of India on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).Former Prime Minister Singh boasted a wealth of political experience. During his tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, he bolstered cooperation between India and Taiwan in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, culture, and education. He also facilitated the opening of the TECC in Chennai in 2012, significantly enhancing the development of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Singh will be remembered with great respect for advancing Taiwan-India relations and promoting regional peace and prosperity during his time in office. MOFA will build on the solid foundation he laid to further deepen friendship and cooperation with current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. (E)