Is There Strong Momentum in the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership?
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi and President Lee reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties between India and South Korea at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. With a focus on advancing their Special Strategic Partnership, both leaders discussed collaborations in key sectors including technology and culture. Read more about this significant diplomatic development.
Key Takeaways
- Second Meeting: Modi and Lee's second meeting this year shows strong diplomatic ties.
- Strategic Partnership: Both leaders aim to enhance their Special Strategic Partnership.
- Economic Collaboration: Focus on trade, investment, and critical technologies.
- Cultural Exchange: Emphasis on strengthening people-to-people contacts.
- ACITI Partnership: Introduction of a new trilateral technology initiative.
Johannesburg, Nov 22 (NationPress) In their second meeting this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the strategic partnership between their nations during discussions on the sidelines of the G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
"I had an excellent meeting with President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This marks our second encounter this year, showcasing the robust momentum in our Special Strategic Partnership. We shared insights aimed at further enhancing our economic and investment ties," PM Modi shared on X post-meeting.
The two leaders previously convened in June at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
After their inaugural meeting, PM Modi expressed that India and the Republic of Korea aspire to collaborate in various domains, including commerce, investment, technology, green hydrogen, and shipbuilding.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized on June 18 that PM Modi and President Lee "reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership by exploring fresh avenues for cooperation in trade, economy, critical and emerging technologies," which includes "culture and P2P (people-to-people interactions), among others".
With this year marking a decade since the inception of their special strategic partnership, President Lee expressed optimism about elevating bilateral relations to new heights across all sectors.
He highlighted that approximately 550 Korean firms are operating in India and stressed the importance of enhancing high-level communications while expanding collaboration in areas such as economy, advanced technology, defense, the arms sector, and culture.
Earlier, PM Modi also engaged with British leader Keir Starmer, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Brazil President Inacio Lula da Silva, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni, and numerous other global leaders on Saturday during the ongoing G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
Moreover, Prime Minister Modi introduced a new trilateral initiative -- the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership -- alongside Australian and Canadian leaders Anthony Albanese and Mark Carney in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Point of View
It is evident that the ongoing collaboration between India and South Korea is crucial for both nations. The reaffirmation of their Special Strategic Partnership during such high-profile meetings underscores the importance of strategic alliances in today's global landscape. This partnership is poised to enhance economic growth and foster innovation, reinforcing India's position on the global stage.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Modi and Lee's meeting?
The meeting aimed to deepen the strategic partnership between India and South Korea, focusing on economic and investment linkages.
When did Modi and Lee last meet?
They last met in June during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
How many Korean companies operate in India?
Approximately 550 Korean companies are currently operating in India.
What sectors are India and South Korea looking to collaborate in?
They are looking to collaborate in commerce, investment, technology, green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and more.
What is the ACITI Partnership?
The ACITI Partnership is a new trilateral initiative involving Australia, Canada, and India focused on technology and innovation.
