Seoul: During his visit to South Korea, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to broaden India’s strategic partnership with South Korea into new realms such as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, and green hydrogen. Jaishankar made these remarks while co-chairing the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) alongside his counterpart Cho Tae-yul in Seoul.
In a tweet, Jaishankar described the meeting as “comprehensive and productive”, highlighting discussions on defense, science and technology, and trade cooperation. The discussions encompassed various aspects of bilateral ties, including defense collaboration, scientific research, trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections.
Jaishankar underscored the significance of the special strategic partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to South Korea in 2015. He expressed the mutual desire to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas into critical domains such as emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and more.
The JCM provided a platform for both nations to review their cooperation comprehensively, covering trade, investments, development cooperation, defense and security, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchange. The ministers explored avenues to extend cooperation to new sectors such as critical technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and resilient supply chains.
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Discussions also revolved around regional developments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar noted the growing convergence of India and South Korea’s perspectives on regional issues and highlighted their shared interest in ensuring stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Jaishankar expressed optimism about the potential for practical outcomes resulting from the joint commission meeting, emphasizing the importance of translating goodwill into tangible results. He also extended congratulations to Foreign Minister Cho on his recent appointment.
In addition to official engagements, Jaishankar’s visit celebrated the enduring cultural ties between India and South Korea. He met with a delegation from Gimhae City, the Sister City of Ayodhya, symbolizing the ancient kinship between the two nations. The visit also included interactions with representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, aimed at enhancing bilateral business ties.
Jaishankar’s visit to South Korea, following the recent 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, aimed to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership further. His engagements included meetings with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy Ahn Dukgeun, and various Korean dignitaries, academics, business leaders, and members of the Indian Diaspora.
At Korea’s National Diplomatic Academy, Jaishankar delivered a speech on “Broadening horizons: India and Korea in the Indo-Pacific,” highlighting opportunities for collaboration in the region and beyond. The visit served to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for mutual growth and prosperity.
