Whether India’s approach towards Taiwan was influenced by China, the Taiwanese leader said, “We appreciate India’s pragmatism in this matter”.

On relations with China, a reconciliatory Ma said he wanted to resume dialogue on the basis of “92 consensus”—a policy of “One China, but different interpretations”.

Another common ground with India, Ma said, was agricultural cooperation. “Taiwan’s agricultural productivity is one of the highest in the world. With less than one million hectares of cultivable land, Taiwan not only feeds its 23 million people, but also is exporting high-value agricultural products including fruits and flowers. Increase in agricultural production was mainly due to technological improvement in areas such as breeding, cultivation and post-harvesting. Agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and India will certainly be mutually beneficial,” he explained.

The KMT Presidential candidate, who visited Birla Mandir today and is expected to visit Humayun’s Tomb tomorrow, also wants visits and cultural exchanges between the two countries: “India should rediscover Taiwan, and Taiwan should rediscover India.”