How Are India and South Korea Enhancing Their Special Strategic Partnership?
Synopsis
India and South Korea are advancing their Special Strategic Partnership through robust dialogues on critical issues like security, economy, and cultural ties. With key figures from both sides engaged, this partnership is set to deepen and evolve, marking significant diplomatic progress.
Key Takeaways
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: India and South Korea are committed to enhancing their Special Strategic Partnership.
Key Discussions: Recent dialogues focused on security, economy, and cultural ties.
Influential Meetings: Leaders from both nations are actively involved in fostering collaboration.
Historical Context: Diplomatic relations have existed since 1973, evolving over decades.
Regional Impact: This partnership contributes to regional stability and cooperation.
Seoul, Feb 13 (NationPress) India and South Korea convened for the sixth Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) on Friday, where they evaluated their bilateral relations. Discussions included high-level exchanges, economic and commercial matters, security and defense, science and technology, as well as cultural and people-to-people connections. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their Special Strategic Partnership.
The meeting was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Park Yoon-joo, South Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
According to a post from India's Embassy in South Korea on X, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran co-chaired the sixth Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with Park Yoon-joo, reviewing the breadth of bilateral relations including perspectives on high-level exchanges, economic and commercial issues, security, defense, S&T, cultural and people-to-people ties."
They also exchanged views on regional and global matters and agreed to further enhance their Special Strategic Partnership.
On January 30, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh met with a South Korean parliamentary delegation led by Lee Hack-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, to discuss strengthening their Special Strategic Partnership and parliamentary collaboration.
Harivansh expressed his enthusiasm, stating on X, "Delighted to meet with a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Korea led by Dy. Speaker National Assembly Mr. Lee Hack-young. We discussed various avenues for further strengthening our 'Special Strategic Partnership' and parliamentary cooperation."
Earlier, on January 14, India's Ambassador to South Korea Gourangalal Das also held discussions with Deputy Speaker Lee Hack-young and Representatives Song Jae-bong and Jeong Hyekyeong.
Following their meeting, the Indian Embassy shared on X: "Ambassador Gourangalal Das met Deputy Speaker Lee Hack-young along with Rep. Jeong Hyekyeong and Rep. Song Jae-bong (DPK) at the National Assembly and explored new ways to strengthen parliamentary ties, foster bilateral cooperation, and address mutual interests."
Last November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This marked their second meeting in 2025, following their discussions at the G7 Summit in Canada.
PM Modi remarked on X, "Had a wonderful meeting with President Mr. Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. This is our second meeting this year, indicative of the strong momentum in our Special Strategic Partnership. We exchanged perspectives to further deepen our economic and investment linkages."
India and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1973, with consular ties dating back to 1962, as stated by the Indian Embassy in South Korea. The countries formed a Strategic Partnership in 2010, which was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015 during PM Modi's state visit to South Korea. They celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.
Point of View
It reflects a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration across various sectors. It is crucial that this partnership continues to develop, benefiting both countries and contributing positively to regional stability.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership?
The partnership enhances bilateral ties in areas like security, economy, and culture, promoting mutual growth and regional stability.
When was the Special Strategic Partnership established?
India and South Korea elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015 during PM Modi's state visit.
What topics were discussed in the recent Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue?
Key topics included high-level exchanges, economic issues, defense, science and technology, and cultural ties.
Who co-chaired the recent dialogue?
The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran from India and Park Yoon-joo from South Korea.
How long have India and South Korea had diplomatic relations?
Diplomatic ties were established in 1973, while consular relations date back to 1962.
