Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India and South Korea are sending a strong message of “peace and stability” amid global tensions, as he held talks with President Lee Jae Myung and announced a roadmap to elevate bilateral ties into a “futuristic partnership.”
Addressing the media during President Lee’s State Visit, PM Modi said, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome President Lee on his first visit to India. President Lee’s life is an inspiring example of struggle, service, and dedication. Every challenge has only strengthened his resolve for public service. Although this is his first visit to India, his affinity toward our country has been evident since our very first meeting.”
Highlighting the significance of the visit after eight years, PM Modi noted, “This visit by the President of Korea after eight years is highly significant. Democratic values, a market economy, and respect for the rule of law are in the DNA of both our nations. We also share a common outlook for the Indo-Pacific region. Based on these foundations, our relations have become more dynamic and extensive over the past decade.”
Announcing a new phase in ties, the Prime Minister said, “Today, with President Lee’s visit, we are transforming this trusted partnership into a futuristic partnership. From chips to ships, talent to technology, and environment to energy – we will realize new opportunities for cooperation in every field. Together, we will ensure the progress and prosperity of both nations.”
PM Modi revealed that both countries have set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030. He said, “Bilateral trade between India and Korea has reached $27 billion today. To increase this to $50 billion by 2030, we have taken several important decisions today.”
Detailing the initiatives, he added, “To facilitate financial flows between the two countries, we have launched the India-Korea Financial Forum. To bolster business cooperation, we have formed an Industrial Cooperation Committee. To enhance cooperation in critical technology and supply chains, we are initiating an Economic Security Dialogue. To ease the entry of Korean companies, especially SMEs, into India, we will establish a Korean Industrial Township. Within the next year, we will also upgrade the India-Korea Trade Agreement.”
Emphasising future collaboration, PM Modi said, “Today, we are laying the foundation for the success stories of the next decade. We are launching the India-Korea Digital Bridge to deepen partnerships in AI, semiconductors, and Information Technology. We are also signing MoUs in sectors such as shipbuilding, sustainability, steel, and ports.”
On cultural ties, the Prime Minister remarked, “India and Korea share cultural ties dating back thousands of years. The story of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Korea from 2,000 years ago is our shared heritage.” He added, “Today, K-Pop and K-Dramas are becoming very popular in India. Similarly, the recognition of Indian cinema and culture is growing in Korea. We are delighted that President Lee himself is a fan of Indian cinema. To strengthen this cultural connect, we will organize the India-Korea Friendship Festival in 2028.”
PM Modi also underlined the importance of people-to-people ties, stating, “Furthermore, to strengthen people-to-people contact, we will promote education, research collaboration, and tourism.”
Addressing global challenges, PM Modi said, “In this era of global tension, India and Korea together send a message of peace and stability. We are very pleased that Korea is joining the International Solar Alliance and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Through our joint efforts, we will continue to contribute to a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
He further stressed the need for reforms, noting, “We also agree that reform in global institutions is essential to address global challenges.”
Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the Prime Minister concluded, “Nearly 100 years ago, India’s great poet, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, called Korea the ‘Lamp of the East.’ Today, Korea is a vital partner in realizing our resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047). Let us, through our partnership, pave the way for the progress and prosperity of both our countries and the entire world.”
