Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered a pre-recorded speech at an Indian think tank event on Monday, June 8, saying she was deeply impressed by the high number of women voting during her 2011 visit to India.

The Council for International Economic Understanding (CIEU) held its “CIEU'S Leadership Dialogue: The 2026 Conclave” on Monday, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics to discuss women’s role in shaping institutions, the economy, and civic life. 
According to information from Taiwan’s representative office in India, the event covered women’s leadership in politics, diplomacy, governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, economic policy, and nation-building. Tsai, invited by former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, spoke about the growing influence of female voters in Asian democracies. 

Tsai said that the democracy in India had made a strong impression on her, especially the active participation of women. She also said that women’s representation in government still needs to improve and expressed hope that more outstanding women like Lekhi will join public affairs to advance gender equality and democracy. 

Lekhi, in a speech titled “Women Who Shape Nations,” said discussions on women’s empowerment should not be seen as a competition between men and women. She urged cooperation to build stronger societies and organizations, stating that society only benefits when men's and women’s strengths complement each other.