The first South Korean president to visit India in eight years, Lee Jae Myung, made a frank admission:
“The level of economic cooperation between South Korea and India is still very low. Going forward, we will expand that space and make the relationship completely different from what it is now.”
The visiting president and his host Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive framework covering shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics, underscoring the pillars of the special strategic partnership.
Senior diplomat P Kumaran who briefed the media, said the collaboration spans infrastructure creation, financing and skill development.
“This includes upgrading shipyards, developing new facilities and working on next-generation maritime technologies,” he noted, adding that areas such as autonomous vessels and port systems are also under consideration.
Defence cooperation received a significant push, with both countries looking to expand collaboration beyond existing supply arrangements.
“Korea supplies K9 Vajra systems and anti-aircraft systems. There are already two phases of supplies that have happened. We are looking at the third phase, which involves greater technology transfer,” Kumaran said.
He added that discussions are underway on a broader range of defence capabilities.
“We are looking at other kinds of anti-aircraft guns and missile systems. And are looking at co-development and technology transfer, co-design of next-generation defence systems,” he said.
“We are also looking at collaborating in procurement of different kinds of defence hardware, telecom equipment and cyber security,” he said.
Kumaran said the next phase of cooperation will focus on small and medium enterprises, innovation and resolving market access challenges. Supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors, critical minerals and emerging technologies, is also set to become a central pillar of engagement.
The visit also saw the launch of new institutional mechanisms, including an industrial cooperation platform and an economic security dialogue, aimed at aligning trade, technology and strategic priorities.
The talks also broke new ground in the creative industries, with a focus on gaming and digital content as emerging areas of cooperation.
Highlighting this, Kumaran said both sides see strong potential in combining their cultural and technological strengths. Agreements in this sector are aimed at leveraging the global rise of digital entertainment industries while building economic value.
