India, South Korea boost defence ties at 10th JCM on production and logistics
Synopsis
At their 10th Joint Committee Meeting in New Delhi, India and South Korea brought top defence firms — including Hanwha Aerospace and L&T — to the table, signalling that their defence partnership is moving from dialogue to industrial depth. As India accelerates its supply-chain diversification away from Russia, South Korea is emerging as a key alternate partner in aerospace, armoured systems, and logistics.
Key Takeaways
The 10th India-South Korea JCM on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 29 September 2026 .
Co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur (India) and Kim Il Dong , Vice Minister, DAPA (South Korea).
Indian firms L&T and BEML participated; South Korea was represented by Hanwha Aerospace , Korean Air , Hanwha Systems , KAI , and DS Navcours .
South Korean Vice Minister Kim Il Dong held a sideline meeting with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth .
Both sides committed to advancing bilateral cooperation in defence production and logistics .
India and South Korea on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, reaffirmed their deepening defence partnership at the 10th India-Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation, held in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation in defence industries and logistics, and explored new avenues to expand the relationship further.
Key Developments at the 10th JCM
The meeting was co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur, Additional Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, and Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister, Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Republic of Korea. Senior officials from both sides, including Seong Ho Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, and Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, also attended.
The discussions provided a platform for exchanging views on enhancing cooperation between the two countries' defence industries and promoting greater engagement in defence production and logistics, according to an official statement.
Industry Representation from Both Sides
Representatives of leading defence companies from India and South Korea participated alongside government officials. India was represented by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). South Korea's contingent included Hanwha Aerospace, Korean Air, Hanwha Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and DS Navcours — a lineup that signals serious industrial intent from Seoul.
Sideline Meeting: Seth and Kim Il Dong
On the sidelines of the JCM, South Korean Vice Minister Kim Il Dong called on Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence of India. Both sides used the bilateral interaction to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and deepening collaboration in defence industries and logistics.
Why This Meeting Matters
This is the 10th edition of the JCM, underscoring a structured and sustained bilateral framework that goes beyond ceremonial intent. India's push for indigenisation under its 'Make in India in Defence' policy has made South Korean companies — particularly in aerospace and armoured systems — increasingly relevant partners. Hanwha Aerospace, for instance, has been actively engaged in discussions around self-propelled artillery platforms for the Indian Army. This comes amid India's broader effort to diversify its defence supply chain away from legacy dependence on Russia, making partnerships with technologically advanced nations like South Korea strategically significant. The meeting's emphasis on logistics cooperation also points to growing interest in interoperability and supply chain resilience between the two militaries.
Point of View
But the industrial representation is not — Hanwha Aerospace and KAI alongside L&T and BEML signals that both governments want deals, not just dialogue. India's defence diversification strategy post-Ukraine has consistently pointed toward South Korea, Israel, and France as preferred alternatives to Russian platforms. The real test will be whether this meeting accelerates a concrete co-production programme, particularly in artillery and aerospace, or remains a well-staffed talking shop. The inclusion of logistics in the mandate also hints at a maturing relationship — one that could eventually support interoperability frameworks beyond simple buyer-seller dynamics.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India-South Korea JCM on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation?
It is a bilateral committee mechanism through which India and South Korea review and advance cooperation in defence production, technology, and logistics. The 10th edition was held in New Delhi on 29 September 2026, co-chaired by senior defence officials from both countries.
Which companies participated in the 10th India-South Korea defence JCM?
India was represented by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). South Korea's delegation included Hanwha Aerospace, Korean Air, Hanwha Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and DS Navcours.
Who co-chaired the 10th JCM meeting?
The meeting was co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur, Additional Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence (India), and Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister, Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Republic of Korea.
Why is India deepening defence ties with South Korea?
India has been actively diversifying its defence supply chain, particularly as it seeks to reduce dependence on Russian platforms following the Ukraine conflict. South Korea, with advanced capabilities in aerospace and armoured systems, has emerged as a significant alternative partner under India's 'Make in India in Defence' framework.
What was discussed at the sideline meeting between Sanjay Seth and Kim Il Dong?
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and South Korean Vice Minister Kim Il Dong met on the sidelines of the JCM and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and deepening collaboration in defence industries and logistics.
