President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung completed a three-day state visit to India from 19 to 21 April 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and leading Korean CEOs. This was the first state visit to India by a South Korean president in eight years.
The two leaders held bilateral talks on 20 April in New Delhi. They agreed to implement a five-year Joint Strategic Vision (2026–2030) covering trade, defence, technology, and people-to-people ties. Both sides set a target to double bilateral trade from USD 25 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030, with cooperation spanning sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, steel, ports, energy, and entertainment.
Four MoUs were signed, and both sides launched an India-Korea Digital Bridge for cooperation in emerging technologies. A Joint Declaration was exchanged to resume negotiations on upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). An India-ROK Industrial Cooperation Committee was also established. In a joint press statement, PM Modi stated that India and Korea are moving from a “trusted partnership” to a “futuristic partnership.” He added that in this era of global tension, India and Korea together convey a message of peace and stability.
A shipbuilding and maritime logistics framework was adopted, with the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) opening its first office in Mumbai. The two leaders also agreed that India’s Defence Minister would visit Korea in May 2026 for the joint inauguration of a war memorial commemorating India’s participation in the Korean War. An inaugural Defence and Foreign Affairs 2+2 Dialogue at the vice minister level was also announced.
On the Korean side, President Lee met Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and attended a state banquet. He visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and addressed the India-Korea Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. First Lady Kim Hea Kyung attended a K-pop event at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre alongside JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young.
In another post on X, President Lee reflected on visiting the Gandhi Memorial, stating that Gandhi’s philosophy resonates deeply in the current global landscape, where conflict and division persist. He remarked that despite different histories and cultures, both nations understand each other through shared values of peace, democracy, and human rights.
The India-Korea Business Leaders’ Dialogue was also held during the visit. PM Modi noted on X that the dialogue highlighted the potential of economic partnership across diverse sectors, with a focus on strengthening supply chains, supporting future-ready sectors, and creating opportunities for youth. President Lee also planted a Sita Ashok sapling as part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree for Mother) initiative.
MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran, briefing the media, confirmed that geopolitical issues, including the conflicts in the Gulf region and the Ukraine-Russia situation, were discussed. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen peace, security, and multilateral institutions. The Korean side recognised India’s role as a leader of the Global South as crucial for shaping global positions.
