India, South Korea seal broad pact to elevate strategic partnership

India and South Korea on Monday rolled out a wide-ranging set of agreements and initiatives to deepen their Special Strategic Partnership, as President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up key engagements during his state visit to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit of the South Korean president led to the adoption of a “Joint Strategic Vision for the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership,” laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation across sectors such as maritime logistics, sustainability and energy security. Both sides also issued joint statements on sustainability and energy resource security, highlighting a shared resolve to tackle global challenges.

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A major outcome was the agreement on a comprehensive framework for cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics, signalling a push to strengthen infrastructure and trade connectivity. “These outcomes reflect the growing convergence between India and the Republic of Korea in ensuring resilient supply chains and strengthening economic cooperation,” the Ministry said.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed across key areas including ports, industrial collaboration, steel supply chains, small and medium enterprises, and science and technology. Financial and digital cooperation also received a boost, with agreements between regulatory bodies and payments institutions aimed at improving cross-border financial linkages.

In a significant economic move, both countries agreed to resume negotiations to upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a step expected to enhance trade and investment flows. “The decision to restart CEPA upgrade talks signals both sides’ intent to unlock the full potential of their economic partnership,” the statement noted.

Climate cooperation emerged as a central pillar, with agreements on climate action and a cooperative approach under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The two sides also launched an “India-Korea Digital Bridge” framework to drive collaboration in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure.

Efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties were reinforced through a cultural exchange programme for 2026–2030, along with agreements in creative industries and sports. Officials said these initiatives would “further deepen mutual understanding and strengthen societal linkages.”

Among other announcements, the countries launched an Economic Security Dialogue and agreed to establish a Distinguished Visitors Programme. They also initiated a new channel of dialogue between their foreign ministries on global issues including climate change, Arctic cooperation and maritime affairs.

Reflecting growing alignment in regional and global initiatives, South Korea joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance, while India will join the Global Green Growth Institute. Both sides also agreed to mark 2028–29 as the Year of India-ROK Friendship.

The Ministry said the outcomes “reflect the shared vision of India and the Republic of Korea to build a robust, future-oriented partnership,” adding that the agreements are expected to significantly expand cooperation across strategic, economic and cultural domains.