India And South Korea To Boost Cooperation In New Tech And Semiconductors

India aims to enhance its strategic partnership with South Korea by expanding cooperation into new and critical areas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul. Co-chairing the meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, Jaishankar highlighted the comprehensive and productive discussions held on various aspects, including defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

Key areas of the meeting

Strategic Partnership Expansion

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the need to expand India’s strategic partnership with South Korea into new areas.
• Focus areas include critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, and green hydrogen.

Trilateral Cooperation

• Both sides discussed advancing trilateral cooperation.
• Views exchanged on Indo-Pacific developments, challenges, and regional/global issues of mutual interest.

Elevation of Bilateral Relations

• Bilateral relations elevated to a special strategic partnership during PM Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit.
• Growth seen in trade, investments, defence, and science and technology cooperation.

Expansion into New Areas

• Interest in diversifying cooperation into critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, etc.
• Aim to modernize and contemporize bilateral ties.

Convergence in International Fora

• Increasing convergence of views in international forums, especially regarding Indo-Pacific stability, security, and prosperity.

Fostering Diplomatic and Cultural Bonds

• Jaishankar’s visit to South Korea and Japan emphasizes India’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.
• The focus on strengthening relations with South Korea underscores India’s proactive stance in a changing global environment.
• This visit reflects India’s interest in fostering cultural and educational cooperation, highlighting shared heritage with Ayodhya.

Ayodhya-Korea Link: A Historical Narrative

The emotional connection between Ayodhya and Korea is traced back to the story of Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Princess Suriratna). According to Korean legend, the teenage princess sailed from Ayodhya to Korea, marrying King Kim Suro and founding the Gaya Kingdom, adding depth to the cultural ties between the two nations.