NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK), Lee Jae Myung, have announced a comprehensive Joint Strategic Vision to elevate the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership over the next five years.
The announcement came during President Lee’s State Visit to India from April 19–21, 2026, marking his first overseas visit since assuming office. The two leaders held high-level talks focused on defense, emerging technology, and economic security in a “turbulent and fast-changing world.”
Strengthening Defense and Security
A major pillar of the new vision is the deepening of strategic trust and military collaboration:
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2+2 Dialogue: The leaders agreed to launch an inaugural Defence and Foreign Affairs 2+2 Dialogue at the Vice-Minister level.
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KIND-X Platform: A new “Korea-India Defence Accelerator” was launched to connect startups, investors, and universities in the defense sector.
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Counter-Terrorism: Both leaders strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, specifically referencing the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Industrial and Tech Synergy
To drive mutual economic growth, the leaders introduced several new cooperation frameworks:
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Digital Bridge: A framework focusing on AI, data governance, and semiconductors was launched to align India’s “AI for All” vision with Korean innovation.
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Maritime & Steel: A Comprehensive Framework for Partnership on Shipbuilding was adopted, alongside the establishment of an Annual Steel Dialogue.
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Space Exploration: A Joint Working Group will be formed between ISRO and the Korea Aero Space Administration (KASA).
Financial and Green Energy Integration
The two nations are moving toward closer financial and environmental alignment:
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Fintech Integration: An MOU was signed between NPCIL and KFTC for the phased integration of digital payment systems (UPI) between the two countries.
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Critical Minerals: Both sides agreed to cooperate on the critical minerals value chain, including e-waste recycling and mapping using AI.
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Climate Action: The ROK officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), while India joined the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
“India views the ROK as an indispensable partner in its ‘Act East’ Policy,” the joint statement noted, while President Lee described India as a “central pillar” of Korea’s pragmatic diplomacy.
To foster long-term ties, the years 2028-29 have been designated as the “Year of India-ROK Friendship.” The vision document sets a roadmap for 2026–2030, ensuring that the two “resilient democracies” remain at the forefront of the Indo-Pacific’s strategic and economic landscape.
