A Decade of Dynamic Alliance: India-South Korea Partnership Forges Ahead with Renewed Vigor

New Delhi, India – In a significant reaffirmation of their growing bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently welcomed a high-level delegation of Special Envoys from the Republic of Korea (ROK), led by former Prime Minister Mr. Kim Boo Kyum. This pivotal meeting, held in New Delhi on July 17, 2025, underscored the remarkable journey of the India-South Korea Partnership as it proudly marks its tenth year since being elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership.’ The discussions highlighted a mutual commitment to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, reinforcing the shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights of the Revitalized India-South Korea Partnership

The recent engagements between Indian and South Korean leadership signal a strong forward momentum for the India-South Korea Partnership.

• High-Level Diplomatic Engagements:
  • Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight in receiving the Special Envoys, recalling his productive meeting with ROK President Lee Jae-Myung just last month on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
  • During the G7 discussions, both leaders had explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in critical areas such as commerce, investment, technology, and green hydrogen, setting a positive precedent for the ongoing dialogue.
  • Separately, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also met with the South Korean delegation. Their comprehensive talks covered strengthening bilateral ties in economy, technology, defense, maritime security, and fostering robust people-to-people exchanges.
• Expanding Horizons of the India-South Korea Partnership:
  • Prime Minister Modi specifically highlighted the tangible growth of the India-South Korea Partnership across key sectors:
    • Innovation: Fostering a dynamic environment for technological advancements and collaborative research.
    • Defense: Enhancing cooperation in defense production, technology, and strategic military engagements to ensure regional security.
    • Shipbuilding: Leveraging South Korea’s advanced expertise for mutual benefit in maritime capabilities.
    • Skilled Mobility: Promoting the exchange of skilled professionals and human resources, a vital component for economic growth and cultural understanding.
• A Decade of Strategic Evolution:
  • The elevation of the bilateral relationship to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015, during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Seoul, marked a significant milestone. This built upon the ‘Strategic Partnership’ established in 2010.
  • This upgrade reflected a shared recognition of each nation’s growing influence on the global stage and a collective resolve to address complex regional and international challenges. The continuous dialogues exemplify the enduring strength of the India-South Korea Partnership.

Driving Economic Synergy and Regional Stability through India-South Korea Partnership

The discussions also touched upon the broader implications of the India-South Korea Partnership for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

• Economic Collaboration and Investment:
  • Initiatives such as ‘Korea Plus,’ launched to facilitate Korean investments in India, continue to play a crucial role.
  • The establishment of a Korea-India SME and Start-up Centre in Gurugram in 2019 further underscores the commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and boosting economic ties. As of June 2023, South Korea’s total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India stood at an impressive USD 8.02 billion, demonstrating robust confidence in the India-South Korea Partnership.
  • Both nations are actively exploring new opportunities in cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, green hydrogen, and EV battery technology, which are set to redefine the future of their economic engagement.
• Contribution to Indo-Pacific Peace:
  • The close collaboration between these two vibrant democracies is viewed as instrumental in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Their shared values and commitment to a rules-based international order make the India-South Korea Partnership a vital pillar for regional security architecture.

The Path Forward for the India-South Korea Partnership

The recent meetings reaffirm that the India-South Korea Partnership is not merely transactional but a deep-rooted bond built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for a prosperous future. The continued high-level exchanges and the exploration of new avenues for cooperation underscore the dynamic nature of this alliance. As both nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their strengthened strategic partnership will undoubtedly contribute significantly to global stability and economic development. The emphasis on innovation, defense collaboration, and people-to-people connections ensures that the India-South Korea Partnership remains a beacon of robust diplomatic engagement and strategic alignment.