India and South Korea agreed to expand defence cooperation and explore new avenues for joint development, production, and defence exports during high-level meetings between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korean defence officials in Seoul on Wednesday, marking a renewed push to deepen strategic ties between the two countries.
During his visit, Singh held talks with Lee Yong-chul, Minister for Defence Acquisition Programme Administration, where both sides discussed strengthening collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology. According to official statements shared on social media, the discussions focused on leveraging shared capabilities to promote joint development projects, co-production initiatives, and export opportunities in the defence sector.
The two sides also examined ways to advance the KIND-X initiative, which aims to integrate innovation ecosystems in India and South Korea. The programme is intended to encourage greater cooperation between defence industries and technology sectors, supporting long-term strategic and industrial partnerships between the two nations.
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Earlier in the day, Singh met South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu Back, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence, industrial, and strategic cooperation. The discussions included exchanges on agreements related to defence cyber cooperation, academic collaboration between defence institutions, and joint efforts in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
As part of his visit, Singh also paid tribute at the National Cemetery of Korea, laying a wreath in honour of soldiers who lost their lives in service. He described their sacrifice as an enduring source of inspiration and reiterated India’s solidarity with South Korea in honouring military bravery and national service.
The visit, which began on Tuesday, is part of India’s broader diplomatic effort to strengthen defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides expressed confidence that the engagements would further enhance their “special strategic partnership” and open new pathways for technological and industrial cooperation in defence.
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