India and South Korea are truly important partners," says S Jaishankar
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Seoul: During a two-day visit to South Korea, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the significant partnership between India and South Korea.
He highlighted the steady growth in bilateral exchanges and expressed India's interest in expanding collaborations to new areas such as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and nuclear cooperation.
The two nations elevated their ties to a special strategic partnership in 2015, and in 2023, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In his opening remarks at the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul, Jaishankar stressed the importance of living up to the special strategic partnership.
"We have grown from strength to strength in the years that have passed. We have become truly important partners for each other. And our bilateral exchanges - trade, investments, defence, and S&T cooperation, have all seen a steady growth," Jaishankar stated.
During the meeting, Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, discussed expanding cooperation into new sectors, including critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, human resource mobility, nuclear cooperation, and supply chain resilience.
The External Affairs Minister mentioned the meetings between PM Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2023, providing guidance for future collaboration. He also noted the growing convergence of views in the international forum, particularly focusing on the stability, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, Jaishankar held discussions with South Korea's Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ahn Dukgeun, addressing trade and economic cooperation. He also met with South Korea's think tank representatives to explore increasing exchanges as the convergences between the two countries grow. Additionally, Jaishankar discussed shared convergences in the Indo-Pacific and global issues with Director of National Security Chang Ho-jin.
The India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership spans diverse areas of cooperation, including trade, investments, defence, education, science and technology, and culture. The Joint Commission Meeting aims to comprehensively review bilateral cooperation and identify opportunities for further strengthening collaboration.