Taiwan leadership thank Modi over his solidarity to island's quake-hit people

TAIWANESE president Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday (3) expressed deep gratitude to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi after the latter conveyed solidarity with the people of the island which was hit by a strong earthquake earlier in the day, causing at least nine deaths and injuries to more than 800 people.

Thanking Modi for the support at the "challenging time", Tsai said it means a "great deal" to the people of Taiwan.

A number of leaders from across the world expressed condolences over the earthquake in Taiwan.

"We are deeply grateful for your kind words and support,@narendramodi, at this challenging time. Your solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as we all work toward a swift recovery," the president said on X.

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Her deputy Lai Ching-te also thanked the Indian leader saying the support and solidarity of the latter are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi, for your heartwarming message. Your support & solidarity are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times," he said on X.

Modi earlier condoled the deaths in Taiwan caused by the earthquake to say on X: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

"We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it."

The India Taipei Association (ITA) also extended its condolences to the victims of the quake.

"India Taipei Association would like to extend our deepest condolences for the victims and heartfelt sympathies for communities affected by the earthquake which struck Taiwan this morning," it said on the social media account.

"We sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand ready with the people of Taiwan during these difficult times #IslandOfResilience," it added.

China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Taiwan, however, sees itself as completely distinct from China. Though India and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties, the bilateral trade relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

In 1995, New Delhi set up the ITA in Taipei to promote interactions between the two sides and to facilitate business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The ITA has also been authorised to provide all consular and passport services.

In the same year, Taiwan too established the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Delhi.

(With PTI inputs)