New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung honored Mahatma Gandhi with a tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Monday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X, stating, "In pursuit of peace, harmony, and a better tomorrow, President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, celebrating the principles of peace and non-violence."

Earlier in the day, President Lee received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Upon his arrival, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi graciously welcomed the South Korean leader.

Children dressed in traditional outfits, proudly holding both the South Korean flag and the Indian Tricolour, also extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitary.

President Lee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day state visit.

At the airport, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra welcomed President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung.

The MEA emphasized that the South Korean President's visit signifies an "important milestone" in enhancing the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea.

According to the MEA's post on X, "President Lee was received by Shri Harsh Malhotra, MoS, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This visit marks a crucial milestone in advancing the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership."

On Sunday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar also met with President Lee.

In a post on X, he remarked, "I am honored to meet President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea as he commences his State Visit to India. I value his dedication to enhancing India-Korea relations across various sectors, and I am confident that his discussions with PM Modi will further fortify our Special Strategic Partnership."

Later in the day, President Lee is scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, where they will discuss enhancing cooperation in several areas including shipbuilding, trade, investments, AI, semiconductors, and cultural exchanges.

The two leaders will also address regional and global topics of shared interest, as noted by the MEA.

PM Modi is set to host a lunch in honor of the visiting President.

Additionally, President Lee will have discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the day, President Lee will again pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

The MEA stated, "India and the ROK share a multifaceted partnership grounded in ancient civilizational ties and mutual values of democracy and rule of law. President Lee's visit highlights both countries' shared aspirations to deepen cooperation in existing areas as well as expand into new and emerging fields of mutual interest."

Last November, PM Modi and President Lee met during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, marking their second meeting in 2025, following their earlier discussions at the G7 Summit in Canada.