Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held productive bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, further solidifying the warm friendship and deep-rooted cultural linkages between India and South Korea. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
During the meeting, both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation in various key developmental sectors. They agreed to focus on areas such as trade and investment, high technology, IT hardware manufacturing, defense, semiconductor, and culture. By expanding cooperation in these sectors, India and South Korea aim to enhance economic collaboration and promote mutual growth.
The discussion also encompassed India’s G20 presidency and South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy. As the current president of the G20 grouping, India highlighted the importance of global economic cooperation and discussed ways to foster inclusive and sustainable growth. South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, launched in December 2022, aligns with the shared goal of ensuring a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific region. Recognizing the need for regional stability, both leaders exchanged views on the evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized the importance of a rules-based order.
The backdrop of China’s rising military activities in the South China Sea added significance to the discussions. China’s territorial claims and construction of artificial islands in the disputed region have raised concerns among several countries, including India and South Korea. The leaders recognized the need for enhanced cooperation to safeguard regional security and maintain freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the G7 summit marked India’s active engagement with the world’s leading advanced economies. The invitation extended by Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida highlighted the growing importance of India as a global player. Through his participation in three sessions at the summit, Prime Minister Modi reinforced India’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic recovery, and sustainable development.
In conclusion, the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Yoon Suk Yeol served to strengthen the existing special strategic partnership between India and South Korea. The commitment to deepening cooperation in trade and investment, high technology, defense, and culture reflects the shared vision for mutual growth. With discussions on India’s G20 presidency and South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, both leaders demonstrated their commitment to regional stability and a rules-based international order. The meeting further emphasized India’s active role on the global stage, fostering closer ties with key partners at the G7 summit.