The visit of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to India and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House marks a significant step in strengthening the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. Several agreements were signed across trade, technology, maritime, and cultural cooperation.
Background of Relations
India and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1973, which were elevated to a
Special Strategic Partnership in 2015. The relationship is driven by:
- Strong trade and investment ties
- Technological collaboration
- Defence cooperation
- Presence of Korean companies like Samsung and Hyundai
The partnership aligns India’s Act East Policy with South Korea’s New Southern Policy.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Political & Strategic
- Convergence in Indo-Pacific vision
- Cooperation in global governance reforms
- Defence & Technology
- Joint production like the K9 Vajra-T
- Collaboration in AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding
- Cultural Relations
- Historical link through Queen Suriratna (Ayodhya)
- Rising popularity of K-pop and Indian cinema
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
Trade & Economy
- Target to increase trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030
- Revival of CEPA upgrade negotiations
- Launch of:
- India–Korea Financial Forum
- Industrial Cooperation Committee
- Economic Security Dialogue
Digital & Industrial Partnership
- Launch of India–Korea Digital Bridge
- Cooperation in AI, IT, and SMEs
- Establishment of a Korean Industrial Township in India Maritime Cooperation
- Framework for shipbuilding and maritime logistics
- Supports India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 Multilateral Alignment
- South Korea joins:
- International Solar Alliance
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
- Shared stance on global conflicts and institutional reforms
Cultural Diplomacy
- Launch of Mumbai Korea Centre
- India–Korea Friendship Festival (2028)
Challenges
- Persistent trade deficit for India
- Slow progress in CEPA negotiations
- Need for infrastructure in shipbuilding
- Implementation gaps in MoUs
- Geopolitical uncertainties affecting supply chains
Way Forward
- Fast-track CEPA to improve market access
- Build semiconductor and critical tech supply chains
- Attract Korean FDI into manufacturing corridors
- Strengthen maritime cooperation under Sagarmala
- Enhance people-to-people exchanges
Conclusion
The recent engagement reflects a shift toward a technology-driven, future-oriented partnership. With shared democratic values and complementary strengths, South Korea emerges as a key partner for India in ensuring economic resilience and strategic stability in
the Indo-Pacific region.