South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, held substantive discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in New Delhi on 16th August, 2025 Saturday, with both sides pledging to elevate their bilateral partnership in line with evolving global and regional dynamics. The visit, Cho’s first to India since assuming office, coincided with the tenth anniversary of the India–Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Strategic Partnership. The ministers reviewed the progress of cooperation over the past decade and agreed to chart a more ambitious course, particularly in advanced technology, defence, and economic security.
Expanding Cooperation in Strategic Sectors
The talks centred on strengthening collaboration in areas critical to the future of both economies. These included semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, shipbuilding, and defence manufacturing. Economic security and resilient supply chains also featured prominently, reflecting shared concerns over disruptions to global trade. EAM Jaishankar noted in a message on X, formerly Twitter, that he had held “productive discussions” with Cho on advancing bilateral cooperation in trade, manufacturing, maritime activities, and people-to-people exchanges. He added that new opportunities in AI, clean energy, and defence were identified, alongside an exchange of views on developments in the Indo-Pacific and other global issues.
Support for Korean Businesses in India
During the meeting, Cho requested special support for Korean companies operating in India, signalling Seoul’s interest in ensuring a more favourable business environment. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutual investment and facilitating industry-led collaboration.
Shared Democratic Values and Regional Cooperation
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the partnership remains firmly anchored in shared democratic values, mutual trust, and a common commitment to peace and stability. The ministers underscored the importance of close coordination on regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations have a vested interest in upholding freedom of navigation, stable supply chains, and a rules-based order.
A Decade of Strategic Ties
Jaishankar warmly welcomed Cho, describing it as “a very special privilege” to host him so soon after Korea’s National Liberation Day. He also recalled earlier high-level engagements, noting that ties between New Delhi and Seoul had expanded significantly since the Special Strategic Partnership was established in 2015. Reflecting on the milestone, Jaishankar remarked that the relationship, forged through shared economic and strategic priorities, has steadily matured. He underlined India’s readiness to explore “new industrial ambitions” with South Korea, particularly in cutting-edge sectors that will define future growth.
Looking Ahead
Both ministers expressed confidence that the partnership is poised for a new chapter, marked by deeper integration of strategic technologies, stronger defence cooperation, and enhanced trade and investment flows. With Cho’s visit symbolising a renewed commitment, India and South Korea appear determined to broaden their cooperation from traditional domains into emerging areas that will shape the regional and global order in the years ahead.
