India and South Korea discussed enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors such as technology, semiconductors, green hydrogen and professional mobility during their bilateral meeting in Seoul.
India aims to enhance its strategic partnership with South Korea by expanding cooperation in new and important areas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission meeting in Seoul. Co-chairing the meeting with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yeul, Jaishankar highlighted the wide-ranging and productive discussions held on various aspects including defence, science and technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Main meeting areas
strategic partnership expansion
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the need to expand India's strategic partnership with South Korea to new areas.
- Focus areas include critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors and green hydrogen.
trilateral cooperation
- Both sides discussed furthering trilateral cooperation.
- Views were exchanged on Indo-Pacific developments, challenges and regional/global issues of mutual interest.
upgradation of bilateral relations
- Bilateral relations were elevated to a special strategic partnership during the 2015 visit of PM Narendra Modi.
- Trade, investment, defense and science and technology cooperation witnessed growth.
expansion into new areas
- Interest in diversifying cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, etc.
- The aim of making bilateral relations modern and contemporary.
Relations at International Forums
- There is growing convergence of views in international forums, especially regarding Indo-Pacific stability, security and prosperity.
Promoting diplomatic and cultural relations
- Jaishankar's visit to South Korea and Japan emphasizes India's commitment to enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.
- The focus on strengthening ties with South Korea underlines India's proactive stance in the changing global environment.
- The visit reflects India's interest in promoting cultural and educational cooperation, highlighting the shared heritage with Ayodhya.
Ayodhya-Korea Link: A Historical Tale
The emotional connection between Ayodhya and Korea comes from the story of Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Princess Suriratna). According to Korean legend, the teenage princess arrived in Korea from Ayodhya, married King Kim Suro and founded the Gaya Kingdom, deepening cultural ties between the two countries.