SYLLABUS

GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Recently, the President of South Korea paid a State Visit to India from April 19–21, 2026, resulting in the adoption of a Joint Strategic Vision (2026–2030) to strengthen the India–ROK Special Strategic Partnership.

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• The visit aimed to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries across multiple sectors. 

• Discussions focused on key areas such as trade, investments, shipbuilding, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. 

• Both countries also exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting their shared vision for peace and stability. 

• The visit reflects the growing importance of India–South Korea relations in the context of global economic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Strategic & Institutional Outcomes: Adoption of a Joint Strategic Vision to transform ties into a “futuristic partnership.” 

• Adoption of a Joint Strategic Vision to transform ties into a “futuristic partnership.” 
• Launch of Economic Security Dialogue to strengthen resilient supply chains and critical technologies cooperation. 
• Establishment of an Industrial Cooperation Committee to coordinate investments in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and critical minerals. 
• Initiation of Foreign Ministry Dialogue on global issues such as climate change, Arctic governance, and maritime cooperation. 
• Agreement to launch a 2+2 Dialogue (Defence and Foreign Affairs) at the Vice-Minister level. 

• Economic & Trade Outcomes: Bilateral trade is currently at $27 billion, with a target to reach $50 billion by 2030. 

• Decision to upgrade the India–South Korea CEPA by mid-2027, focusing on reducing non-tariff barriers, easing rules of origin, and expanding market access.
• Launch of India-Korea Financial Forum to facilitate financial flows. 
• Establishment of a Korean Industrial Township in India, especially for SMEs. 

• Technology & Industrial Cooperation: Launch of the India-Korea Digital Bridge for collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, and digital innovation ecosystems.

• MoUs signed in Shipbuilding and maritime logistics (identified as a priority sector), ports cooperation, steel supply chains, and Science & Technology collaboration.
• Recognition of shipbuilding as a new pillar of industrial cooperation. 
• Establishment of India–ROK Annual Steel Dialogue and POSCO–JSW collaboration. 
• Launch of Korea–India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X) for innovation in defence technologies. 
• Expansion of space cooperation (ISRO–KASA Joint Working Group).

• Energy, Climate & Sustainability: Joint Statements on energy resource security and sustainability cooperation. 

• Cooperation on critical minerals supply chains, including recycling and circular economy approaches. 
• MoUs on climate and environment, including cooperation under Paris Agreement Article 6.2. 
• South Korea joined the International Solar Alliance and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. 
• India joined the Global Green Growth Institute.

• Cultural & People-to-People Initiatives: Announcement of India-ROK Friendship Year (2028–29). 

• Launch of Cultural Exchange Programme (2026–2030). 
• Historical-cultural linkage reaffirmed through the legend of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro. 

• Financial & Institutional Agreements: MoU between IFSCA and Korean financial regulators and NPCI International Payments Ltd. and Korean clearing systems. 

• Launch of Distinguished Visitors Programme (DVP).

India–Republic of Korea (ROK) Bilateral Relations

Sources:
PIB
PM India
The Hindu
Indian Express