India and South Korea's to boost cooperation and ties

India and South Korea have long enjoyed a robust strategic partnership, rooted in shared values, complementary economic strengths, and a commitment to regional stability and prosperity. However, as the global landscape evolves rapidly, both nations recognize the need to expand their collaboration into critical and emerging domains to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and address contemporary challenges.

During the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of broadening India's strategic partnership with South Korea into new areas. Acknowledging the rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological landscape, Jaishankar highlighted the need to diversify cooperation into critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, and green hydrogen.

The focus on critical and emerging technologies underscores the shared recognition that cutting-edge innovations will shape the future of industries, economies, and societies. By pooling their expertise and resources in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and advanced materials, India and South Korea can unlock new frontiers of innovation and position themselves as global leaders in the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Semiconductors, in particular, have emerged as a strategic imperative for both nations. As the backbone of modern electronics and digital infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing and design capabilities are crucial for ensuring technological sovereignty and economic competitiveness. India and South Korea have expressed a keen interest in collaborating in this domain, potentially leveraging South Korea's advanced semiconductor ecosystem and India's growing market and talent pool.

Green hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy source, has also garnered significant attention as both countries strive to achieve their ambitious climate goals and transition towards a more sustainable future. Cooperation in green hydrogen technologies, including production, storage, and utilization, could pave the way for a greener energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.

Trilateral Cooperation and Regional Development

Beyond bilateral ties, India and South Korea also discussed advancing trilateral cooperation, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering regional stability, security, and prosperity. During the Joint Commission Meeting, views were exchanged on Indo-Pacific developments, challenges, and regional/global issues of mutual interest.

The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical geopolitical and economic arena, with rising tensions, maritime disputes, and shifting power dynamics. India and South Korea, both major stakeholders in the region, recognize the importance of cooperation and dialogue to ensure a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law.

Trilateral cooperation with like-minded partners could take various forms, including joint maritime exercises, coordinated efforts to combat piracy and illegal fishing, and shared initiatives to promote sustainable development and regional connectivity. By leveraging their respective strengths and aligning their strategic interests, India and South Korea can contribute to maintaining a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Furthermore, the discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest reflect the growing convergence of views between India and South Korea on a wide range of challenges, from climate change and global health crises to non-proliferation and countering terrorism. This shared understanding paves the way for closer coordination and collaboration within multilateral frameworks, amplifying their collective voice on the global stage.

Elevation of Bilateral Relations

India and South Korea have consistently worked towards strengthening their bilateral relations, which were elevated to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to South Korea in 2015. Since then, the partnership has witnessed significant growth in various sectors, including trade, investments, defense, and science and technology cooperation.

Trade and economic ties have flourished, with bilateral trade reaching $28 billion in 2022, a testament to the complementary nature of the two economies. South Korean companies have made substantial investments in India, particularly in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, and steel, while Indian companies have established a strong presence in South Korea in areas like software and IT services.

Defense cooperation has also witnessed a notable upswing, with India and South Korea engaging in joint military exercises, defense industry collaborations, and technology transfers. The two nations have signed agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as shipbuilding, aerospace engineering, and defense research and development.

Science and technology have emerged as a key pillar of the India-South Korea partnership, with both countries recognizing the importance of innovation and knowledge-sharing in driving economic growth and addressing global challenges. Collaborative efforts have been undertaken in sectors like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and space exploration, fostering knowledge exchange and joint research endeavors.

Expansion into New Areas

While the existing areas of cooperation have yielded tangible benefits for both nations, India and South Korea have expressed a strong interest in diversifying their collaboration into new and emerging domains. This proactive approach reflects their shared ambition to modernize and contemporize their bilateral ties, ensuring their partnership remains relevant and responsive to the rapidly evolving global landscape.

Critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced materials, have been identified as priority areas for collaboration. By pooling their expertise and resources, India and South Korea can drive cutting-edge innovations that could revolutionize industries, enhance security, and contribute to sustainable development.

Semiconductors, a vital component of modern electronics and digital infrastructure, have also emerged as a crucial area of focus. India's growing market and talent pool, combined with South Korea's advanced semiconductor ecosystem, present opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research.

Green hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy source, has garnered significant attention as both countries strive to achieve their ambitious climate goals and transition towards a more sustainable future. Cooperation in green hydrogen technologies could pave the way for a greener energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security for both nations.

Furthermore, India and South Korea aim to foster greater professional mobility between their countries, recognizing the value of talent exchange and knowledge-sharing in driving innovation and economic growth. Initiatives to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs could strengthen the intellectual and cultural ties between the two nations, fostering a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem for collaboration.

Convergence in International Fora and Indo-Pacific Stability

As major stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region, India and South Korea share a common interest in promoting stability, security, and prosperity in this critical geopolitical and economic arena. The Joint Commission Meeting highlighted the increasing convergence of views between the two nations on various regional and global issues, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific.

Both countries have consistently advocated for a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific region. They have expressed concerns over maritime disputes, militarization of disputed islands, and the potential for conflict escalation, recognizing the need for peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international norms.

India and South Korea have also acknowledged the challenges posed by non-traditional security threats, such as piracy, illegal fishing, and climate change, which transcend national boundaries and require coordinated regional and global efforts. Collaborative initiatives to combat these threats could include joint maritime exercises, information-sharing mechanisms, and capacity-building programs for regional partners.

Furthermore, the two nations have emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable development and regional connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. Initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) offer platforms for enhancing economic cooperation, fostering trade and investment, and promoting inclusive growth in the region.

By aligning their strategic interests and leveraging their respective strengths, India and South Korea can contribute to maintaining a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, while also amplifying their collective voice on global issues within multilateral forums.

Fostering Diplomatic and Cultural Bonds

Beyond the economic and strategic dimensions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to South Korea and Japan underscores India's commitment to enhancing diplomatic and cultural ties with these pivotal partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The focus on strengthening relations with South Korea, in particular, highlights India's proactive stance in a changing global environment.

Diplomatic engagements, such as the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting, provide platforms for open dialogue, exchange of views, and forging deeper understanding between the two nations. These interactions not only facilitate practical cooperation but also foster trust and mutual respect, essential ingredients for a lasting and fruitful partnership.

Moreover, Jaishankar's visit reflects India's interest in fostering cultural and educational cooperation with South Korea, underscoring the shared heritage and historical connections between the two nations. For instance, the ancient city of Ayodhya, revered in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, serves as a symbolic link between India and South Korea, where Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural fabric.

By promoting cultural exchanges, academic collaborations, and people-to-people interactions, India and South Korea can deepen their mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's rich histories and traditions. This cultural diplomacy can serve as a powerful catalyst for strengthening the emotional bonds between the two nations, fostering greater trust and goodwill, and laying the foundation for a more robust and enduring partnership.

Way Forward

The 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to boost cooperation between the two nations in critical and emerging domains. By expanding their strategic partnership into areas such as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and professional mobility, India and South Korea are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation and addressing contemporary challenges.

Moreover, the convergence of views on regional and global issues, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific region, underscores the shared commitment to promoting stability, security, and prosperity. Through trilateral cooperation, coordinated efforts, and amplifying their collective voice in international forums, India and South Korea can play a pivotal role in shaping a rules-based order and fostering sustainable development in the region.

Underpinning these efforts is a deep-rooted commitment to fostering diplomatic and cultural bonds, recognizing the power of people-to-people connections and shared heritage in strengthening the bilateral relationship. As India and South Korea navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape, their enduring partnership, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations, will continue to be a driving force for progress, innovation, and regional cooperation.