India, South Korea have become truly important partners for each other: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the growing partnership between India and South Korea during his two-day visit to the country. He emphasized the steady growth in bilateral exchanges and expressed India’s interest in expanding cooperation to new areas such as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and nuclear cooperation.

Jaishankar noted that the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to South Korea in 2015. He mentioned the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties celebrated in 2023 and emphasized the need to live up to the special strategic partnership.

During the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul, Jaishankar congratulated South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on his appointment and discussed expanding cooperation to new sectors. He highlighted the meetings between PM Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2023, which provided guidance for future cooperation.

Jaishankar also mentioned the growing convergence of views in the international forum, particularly on the Indo-Pacific region’s stability, security, and prosperity. He held meetings with South Korean Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ahn Dukgeun, as well as with representatives from South Korean think tanks, discussing trade, economic cooperation, and shared regional interests.

In a meeting with South Korea’s Director of National Security Chang Ho-jin, Jaishankar discussed shared convergences in the Indo-Pacific and other regional and global issues. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the diverse areas of cooperation between India and South Korea, including trade, investments, defense, education, science and technology, and culture.