External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to South Korea, emphasized the deepening ties between India and South Korea on Tuesday, highlighting the visible benefits for both nations amidst global uncertainty.
Addressing the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of introspection and strategic reevaluation to enhance bilateral cooperation. He remarked on the significant expansion of cooperation across various domains and urged for innovative approaches to further strengthen the partnership.
Describing trade as a key indicator of the relationship, Dr. Jaishankar said that bilateral trade has reached approximately USD 25 billion, reflecting the robust economic ties between the two countries. He highlighted the substantial investments made by companies from both India and South Korea in each other’s economies.
Dr. Jaishankar underscored the political dimensions of the India-South Korea relationship, emphasizing shared democratic values and market economies. He acknowledged the parallel experiences of both nations in facing challenges such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing common security concerns.
Dr. Jaishankar also held discussions with South Korea’s Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ahn Dukgeun and met with representatives from South Korean think tanks, highlighting the growing convergences between the two countries.
Furthermore, Dr. Jaishankar met with Director of National Security Chang Ho-jin to discuss shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary regional and global issues.