South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Arrives in India for Key State Visit
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung landed in India on Sunday, marking the start of a significant three-day state visit. This is the first time a South Korean leader has visited India in over eight years, highlighting a renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs has hailed this visit as an "important milestone" in advancing the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership, which was elevated to this level in 2015. The partnership has since grown to encompass various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and defence.
Ceremonial Events and Key Meetings
Upon arrival, President Lee, who assumed office in June 2025, met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The visit's formal proceedings began on Monday with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
The centrepiece of the visit is a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to focus on expanding cooperation in several critical areas:
- Semiconductors: Enhancing collaboration in chip manufacturing and technology.
- Defence Production: Strengthening joint ventures and technology transfers.
- Green Energy: Promoting investments in renewable energy projects.
- Trade: Reviewing and potentially upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
A joint press statement is expected to be issued after the summit, outlining the outcomes and future roadmap for the partnership.
Business Engagement and Concluding Events
In addition to the summit, President Lee is scheduled to attend a business forum at Bharat Mandapam, where he will interact with Indian and Korean business leaders to explore new investment opportunities. This forum aims to boost economic ties and foster innovation across industries.
Before concluding his visit, President Lee will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, further cementing the diplomatic and strategic bonds between the two nations. The visit underscores the growing importance of the India–South Korea relationship in the global arena, particularly in technology and defence sectors.
With inputs from ANI, this visit is seen as a pivotal moment to reinvigorate the Special Strategic Partnership, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.
