India and South Korea on Saturday reaffirmed their strong and growing Special Strategic Partnership during a meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and South Korea’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in New Delhi.
India also expressed gratitude to South Korea for supporting the condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
During the meeting, the two Ministers reiterated their commitment to advancing the Special Strategic Partnership between India and the Republic of Korea (RoK), grounded in shared democratic values, mutual trust, common economic interests, and a dedication to regional and global peace and stability.
In his opening remarks, EAM Jaishankar said: “I would like to discuss with you how we can elevate our relationship to a higher level. I also want to express our gratitude for the Republic of Korea’s condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. When our Parliamentary delegation visited Seoul, they had very good interactions, and you personally made the effort to meet them — something we truly appreciate.
There is much for us to discuss — defence, security, business, economics, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. I welcome you again and look forward to a very productive meeting.”
The talks marked Cho Hyun’s first working visit to India in his new role. Jaishankar welcomed him warmly, describing it as a “very special privilege” to host “an old friend in a new capacity.” He congratulated Cho on his recent appointment and highlighted the significance of the timing — coming just a day after Korea’s National Liberation Day and India’s Independence Day.
The EAM also underlined the occasion’s importance, noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Special Strategic Partnership. He recalled being present when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met then-President Lee Jae-myung in Kananaskis, Canada, describing it as “a very good meeting with very strong bonding.”
The two Ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation in political, security, trade and economic, technological, and cultural domains. They agreed to set new industrial ambitions, especially in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding, and the defence industry.
They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest, including developments in the Indo-Pacific.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: “Delighted to meet FM South Korea Cho Hyun this morning. Held productive discussions on advancing our bilateral cooperation in trade, manufacturing, maritime and people-to-people exchanges as well as new opportunities in AI, semiconductors, clean energy and defence. Also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and contemporary global developments. Appreciated our deepening convergences and growing engagement as our Special Strategic Partnership completes 10 years.”