Korea and India Agree to Deepen Ties Under Lee–Modi Talks

Lee Jae-myung and Narendra Modi have agreed to significantly elevate relations between their two nations, committing to take the South Korea–India partnership to “a whole new level” following high-level talks in New Delhi.

The agreement was reached during a summit held at Hyderabad House, where both leaders acknowledged that while ties have strengthened since being upgraded to a “special strategic partnership” in 2015, cooperation has not yet reached its full potential.

According to South Korea’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac, both sides expressed a shared view that the relationship must better reflect India’s global economic and demographic influence. Despite growing engagement, South Korea’s presence in India remains relatively limited in terms of population and corporate footprint.

The two leaders discussed expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, defence, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, finance, and cultural exchange. They also agreed on the need to strengthen people-to-people ties and improve support for businesses operating in both countries.

Modi and Lee further emphasised the importance of working together to navigate global economic uncertainty, including disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. Both sides expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation as major democratic economies with shared development goals.

A key outcome of the summit was the adoption of a new Joint Strategic Vision for the Special Strategic Partnership, outlining a roadmap for cooperation from 2026 to 2030. Additional agreements were also reached covering maritime industries, sustainability initiatives, and energy security.

Discussions also addressed challenges faced by South Korean companies in India, with Modi assuring that concerns raised would be reviewed and that efforts would be made to improve the business environment and attract further investment.

Beyond economic matters, the leaders exchanged views on regional and global security, including stability in the Indo-Pacific and broader international developments. They also reaffirmed shared democratic values as the foundation for deeper cooperation.

Wi noted that the visit marked an important milestone in South Korea’s engagement with the Global South, highlighting India’s growing importance as a key strategic partner in the region.

The summit also reflected a strong personal rapport between the two leaders, with discussions extending beyond the scheduled time as they engaged in informal exchanges and long-term strategic dialogue.

This latest meeting builds on previous encounters between Lee and Modi at international forums, further reinforcing momentum toward a more expansive and future-oriented partnership between Seoul and New Delhi.