India-South Korea Reaffirm Special Strategic Partnership

6th Foreign Policy Dialogue Strengthens Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and South Korea have renewed their commitment to advancing their Special Strategic Partnership during the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) held in Seoul. The discussions reflect sustained diplomatic momentum and a shared intention to broaden cooperation across strategic, economic and technological domains.

High-Level Strategic Dialogue

The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral engagement, spanning defence and security cooperation, science and technology collaboration, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties.

The two countries agreed to organise a series of high-level visits and institutional dialogues in 2026, signalling continued political engagement and policy coordination under the Special Strategic Partnership framework.

Economic and Technological Priorities

Economic cooperation emerged as a central theme. India emphasised expanding opportunities for Korean firms, particularly in shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Both sides highlighted the importance of economic security, resilient supply chains and industrial competitiveness amid global uncertainties.

Emerging technologies were identified as priority areas for collaboration. These include artificial intelligence, semiconductor ecosystems, critical minerals and green hydrogen. Joint initiatives in these sectors are expected to support innovation, energy transition goals and long-term technological resilience.

Regional Security and Multilateral Alignment

The dialogue included exchanges on regional and global developments, with particular focus on the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific stability. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Strengthening coordination in multilateral institutions was also discussed, reflecting shared interests in global governance reform and sustainable development initiatives.

Important Facts for Exams

• India–South Korea relations elevated to Special Strategic Partnership in 2015.

• Indo-Pacific is a core strategic focus for both countries.

• Critical minerals are vital for semiconductors and renewable technologies.

• Green hydrogen is central to decarbonisation strategies.

Broader Diplomatic Engagements

On the sidelines of the FPSD, P. Kumaran met South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and senior officials from the National Security Office, reinforcing the upward trajectory of bilateral ties.