India and South Korea carry out a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation under the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership
Meeting in Seoul for the 10th India-Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting, External Affairs S Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul explored ways to further extend cooperation to new areas such as critical & emerging technologies, semiconductors.
 
They also discussed cooperation in sectors like green hydrogen, human resource mobility and resilient supply chains, working both bilaterally and together with other countries, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
 
According to the MEA, the meeting held on Wednesday (March 6, 2024) provided the platform for a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation under the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in areas of trade, investments, development cooperation, defence and security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchange.
 
The discussions also covered developments of common interest and concern in the shared Indo-Pacific region. They also shared perspectives on their respective Indo-Pacific visions and strategies and noted the commonality in their initiatives for the region.
 
The JCM was attended by representatives from a number of Ministries and Departments in the two governments.
 
Earlier, in an address at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, EAM Jaishankar delineated the contours of a new global paradigm, marking a decisive shift from a world shaped by a handful of powers to one defined by collaborative effort and multilateral engagement.
 
During his two-day visit to South Korea, Jaishankar's discussions highlighted the burgeoning strategic partnership between India and South Korea, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global order.
 
A Call for Multilateral Engagement
Emphasizing the end of an era dominated by a few global powers, Jaishankar championed the role of India and South Korea in spearheading a more inclusive and equitable reshaping of international relations.
 
"The disproportionate influence wielded by a few in the past is giving way to a new era of collaboration, where countries like India and South Korea are emerging as pivotal players," EAM Jaishankar remarked, and mentioned the essentiality of issues such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and maritime security to both nations.
 
Deepening Bilateral Ties
The visit featured the deepening ties between the two countries, evidenced by a comprehensive agenda that included high-level meetings with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other key officials.
 
These discussions aimed to enhance the Special Strategic Partnership through expanded cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, science and technology, and culture. With bilateral trade currently estimated at USD 25 billion, there is a mutual recognition of the untapped potential for growth.
 
Strategic Conversations on the Indo-Pacific
 
The Indo-Pacific region, a focal point of geopolitical shifts, featured prominently in EAM Jaishankar's discussions. Highlighting the shared interests of India and South Korea in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific, he pointed to the significant opportunities for collaborative initiatives in trade, investment, and ensuring regional safety. The evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific notifies the necessity for India and South Korea to play a more assertive role in shaping the regional dynamics.
 
Engagement with the Indian Community
 
Addressing the Indian community in Seoul, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the Indian government's commitment to its diaspora, ensuring their safety and wellbeing across the globe. This outreach moves along with the Indian foreign policy’s broader ambition to protect its citizens' interests while fostering strong international ties.
 
As India and South Korea map a course for closer cooperation, the discussions during EAM Jaishankar's visit have set the stage for a dynamic partnership prepped to influence the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The shared vision for a collaborative global order, combined with concerted efforts in strategic, economic, and technological domains, positions the India-South Korea partnership as a base of stability and prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
 
“EAM’s visit to the RoK, soon after our countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, provided an opportunity to create new pathways to further strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries,” the MEA stated.