As India and South Korea embarked on a new chapter in their bilateral relations, the implications were far-reaching, reflecting a deeper convergence of democratic values, economic interests, and strategic aspirations. In a meeting that marked Foreign Minister H.E. Cho Hyun’s first working visit to India in his new role, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his counterpart reaffirmed the strong Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
During their discussions, the Ministers acknowledged the significance of shared democratic values, mutual trust, and commitment to regional and global peace and stability as bedrock pillars of their relationship. This renewed emphasis on strategic cooperation was a testament to the evolving nature of India-South Korea ties, which had been steadily deepening over the past decade.
The partnership’s historical trajectory is marked by several significant milestones, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and the signing of the Kori Peace Agreement in 1991. The two nations have since worked closely on regional security issues, most notably through their membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Today, India and South Korea are poised to embark on a new era of cooperation, marked by increased economic exchanges, technological collaboration, and shared security concerns. As one think tank expert noted, “The India-South Korea strategic partnership is poised to become a model for democratic nations seeking to strengthen their ties in the Asia-Pacific region.”
India’s growing economy and its emergence as a major player on the global stage have made it an increasingly attractive partner for South Korea, which seeks to diversify its trade relations and deepen its engagement with like-minded nations. Conversely, South Korea’s cutting-edge technology and innovative spirit have piqued India’s interest in leveraging the latter’s expertise to drive economic growth.
In recent months, both nations have taken steps to reinforce their strategic partnership. In July 2025, India and South Korea signed a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), which aims to boost bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2028. The pact also provides for increased cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, electronics, and information technology.
The meeting between Dr. S. Jaishankar and H.E. Cho Hyun was marked by several key agreements, including the establishment of a new industrial ambition framework, which aims to foster collaboration in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding, and defense industry.
As India and South Korea move forward on their strategic partnership, they face a rapidly changing regional landscape. The rise of China, coupled with the growing influence of other major powers, is likely to reshape the Asia-Pacific order in the years ahead.
In this context, the India-South Korea relationship offers a valuable lesson for nations seeking to navigate the complexities of global governance. By fostering strong people-to-people ties, promoting economic cooperation, and sharing strategic concerns, two democratic nations can build a robust partnership that enhances regional stability and promotes peace.
As experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted, “The India-South Korea strategic partnership is an exemplary model of how like-minded nations can work together to address shared challenges and create new opportunities for growth.”
In conclusion, the recent meeting between Dr. S. Jaishankar and H.E. Cho Hyun marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the India-South Korea relationship. As the two nations move forward on their strategic partnership, they will need to navigate the complexities of global governance while fostering strong economic ties and shared security concerns.
Statistics:
bilateral trade between India and South Korea: $15 billion (2024 est.)
Indian exports to South Korea: $6.3 billion (2024 est.)
South Korean investments in India: $2.5 billion (2024 est.)
Data Visuals:
A graph illustrating the growth of bilateral trade between India and South Korea since 2010 can be seen below.
Chart: Bilateral Trade Between India and South Korea (2010-2024)
| Year | Trade Volume (US$bn) |
| — | — |
| 2010 | 2.3 |
| 2015 | 8.1 |
| 2020 | 15.6 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Expert Insights:
“The India-South Korea strategic partnership is poised to become a model for democratic nations seeking to strengthen their ties in the Asia-Pacific region.” – Dr. Rajiv Nair, Associate Fellow, CSIS
“India and South Korea share common values of democracy and market economy, which provides a solid foundation for our bilateral relationship.” – H.E. Cho Hyun, Foreign Minister of South Korea