India-South Korea Ties Have A Broad And Strategic Future: Report
Report points to deeper and broader India-South Korea cooperation.
India-South Korea relations are expanding beyond their historical and cultural foundations, with both countries increasingly focusing on technology, trade, defence, education and strategic cooperation, according to a report published by Eurasia Review. The two nations are also seeking to strengthen people-to-people connections through scholarships, language learning, academic exchanges and cultural programmes.
Diplomatic relations between India and South Korea were established in 1973, opening a new phase of bilateral engagement. Since then, cooperation has broadened across economic, technological and political spheres. Trade ties received further momentum after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in 2010, with bilateral trade reaching $25.6 billion in 2025. The two countries held the 12th round of negotiations to upgrade the India-Korea CEPA in New Delhi in May.
Cultural exchanges have also become an increasingly visible part of the relationship. Korean popular culture, including K-pop, Korean dramas, beauty products and cuisine, has gained a substantial following in India, while South Korean audiences have shown interest in Indian cinema, yoga, classical arts and cuisine. Artist exchanges, film festivals and other cultural initiatives have created opportunities for communities in both countries to engage beyond official diplomatic channels.
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The strategic dimension of the relationship is also expected to grow in the coming years. According to the report, the Joint Strategic Vision for 2026-2030 identifies emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, supply-chain resilience, defence, maritime cooperation and the Indo-Pacific as important areas for collaboration. Both countries are also working to expand educational and academic links, while their Cultural Exchange Program is set to continue through 2030.
Recent high-level diplomatic engagements have reinforced the expanding partnership. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited South Korea in June and held discussions with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on areas including political relations, shipbuilding, trade, investment, defence, technology, clean energy and culture. Jaishankar also met South Korea’s National Security Director Wi Sung-lac to exchange assessments on global developments and the Indo-Pacific.
Earlier in April, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made a three-day state visit to India accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials and business leaders. He held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. With continued engagement across strategic, economic and cultural sectors, India-South Korea relations are increasingly positioned as a broad partnership extending well beyond their traditional historical and cultural links.
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