Indo-Pacific Synergy: India and South Korea Strengthen Strategic Ties, Explore Joint Initiatives

In a bid to strengthen their special strategic partnership, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Yoon Seok-Yeol engaged in discussions on trade, investment, defense, semiconductors, and battery technology during a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September.

Seoul's Focus on India

Under the former administration of President Moon Jae-in, South Korea pursued a "New Southern Policy" to enhance its ties with India and ASEAN countries. Emphasizing the significance of India as a leading regional partner with shared values, Seoul outlined its commitment to advancing the special strategic partnership by boosting communication and cooperation in foreign affairs, defense, and economic realms. The plan includes upgrading the ROK-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Indo-Pacific Partnership Talks

New Delhi and Seoul are currently in discussions to deepen their bilateral partnership by expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. South Korea is contemplating joining the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), an endeavor introduced by Prime Minister Modi in 2019 at the East Asia summit in Bangkok. The IPOI focuses on seven interconnected pillars, including maritime security, ecology, resources, disaster risk reduction, trade connectivity, capacity-building, and science and technology cooperation.

The United States, having already announced its decision to join the IPOI in June 2023, will co-lead the pillar on trade connectivity and maritime transport. This move underscores the collaborative efforts of major powers to enhance maritime stability and international governance in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.

Potential Membership in the International Solar Alliance

India has also encouraged South Korea to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the first multilateral institution headquartered in India. While 95 countries have signed and ratified the ISA agreement, South Korea has yet to become a member.

Queries directed to the Ministry of External Affairs and the South Korean embassy in New Delhi regarding these developments remain unanswered.

Trilateral Collaboration on Critical Technologies

The recent unveiling of a new trilateral alliance between India, South Korea, and the United States on critical technologies adds another dimension to the growing partnership. In December, the US and South Korea agreed to hold consultations with India on emerging technologies, launching an informal trilateral technology dialogue in the first quarter of 2024.

The convergence of shared concerns regarding China's increasing influence and a growing closeness with the United States has brought India and South Korea together, with both nations keen on expanding their strategic collaboration in various domains.

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