New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): India and South Korea on Monday agreed to strengthen ties across a wide range of sectors, including technology, shipbuilding, energy, and entertainment, during the visit of President Lee Jae-myung, with outcomes reflecting the breadth and depth of the growing partnership between the two countries.
President Lee, who arrived in India on Sunday, held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two nations unveiled 15 key outcomes, including a Joint Strategic Vision for the Special Strategic Partnership, a Comprehensive Framework for Partnership in Shipbuilding, Shipping and Maritime Logistics, a Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Sustainability, and a Joint Statement on Energy Resource Security.
Both sides also announced the launch of an Economic Security Dialogue, the establishment of a Distinguished Visitors Programme, and the initiation of dialogue between their foreign ministries on global themes, including climate change, the Arctic, and maritime cooperation.
South Korea announced it would join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance, while India will join the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The two countries also decided to commemorate 2028–29 as the Year of India–Republic of Korea Friendship.
The agreements and frameworks include cooperation in the fields of ports, technology and trade for the steel supply chain, small and medium-sized enterprises, and maritime heritage, along with a joint declaration to resume negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. An Industrial Cooperation Committee will also be established to further strengthen economic ties.
At a special briefing, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran highlighted the growing defense ties between the two countries, noting that India is exploring co-development and technology transfer initiatives.
“Korea supplies K9 Vajra systems and anti-aircraft systems. There have already been two phases of supplies, and we are looking at a third phase, which involves greater technology transfer. We are also exploring other anti-aircraft guns and missile systems, as well as co-development, co-design, and collaboration on next-generation defense systems,” he said.
Kumaran added that both countries are also exploring cooperation in the procurement of defense hardware, telecommunications equipment, and cybersecurity.
Addressing geopolitical tensions, he said discussions covered the broader global situation, including conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and the Gulf region. “It was agreed that we should cooperate to strengthen peace and security and reinforce multilateral institutions,” he said.
He noted that India, as a leader of the Global South, is seen as a valuable partner for South Korea in shaping positions that reflect broader global perspectives. In this context, the South Korean president appreciated India’s support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Discussions also touched on nonproliferation and ensuring that sensitive technologies do not fall into the hands of non-state actors or sanctioned entities.
On the Comprehensive Framework for Partnership in Shipbuilding, Shipping, and Maritime Logistics, Kumaran said several initiatives are being undertaken at the industry level. These include a non-binding memorandum of understanding between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and relevant partners to enhance shipbuilding capacity.
He said the focus is on upgrading existing shipyards, developing block fabrication facilities, and establishing new dry docks to construct large and specialized vessels. Financing and skill development are also key components of the initiative.
Kumaran added that cooperation will extend to port infrastructure development, knowledge sharing, workforce training, and financing through maritime development and partnership funds. Both sides are also exploring joint design, manufacturing, and support for next-generation conventional and autonomous maritime and port cranes. (ANI)
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