Daily Bharat News

Organised by the Korea Global Foundation and co-hosted with the University of Delhi, the three-day forum seeks to provide a platform for examining contemporary geopolitical, geoeconomic and cultural transformations and exploring future-oriented cooperation, coexistence, peace and prosperity.

According to the organisers, the choice of New Delhi reflects India's growing significance in global affairs. The forum's background material describes India as a major power across economics, development, military affairs, geography, population, culture, history and diaspora, with the Indian diaspora also playing an influential role across several regions.

The forum comes at a time when strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific is intensifying, with major powers and regional countries increasingly focusing on economic, security and geopolitical interests in the region. The organisers highlight India's Act East Policy, its engagement with the Indo-Pacific and its role in platforms associated with the Global South, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as important elements of the changing regional landscape.

The central discussions of the forum will cover a broad range of subjects, including Korea-India relations, the Indo-Pacific, the Korean Peninsula, international security, the global economy, multilateralism, the Global South, diaspora, culture and future international cooperation.

The opening sessions are scheduled to address the changing geopolitical order and India's role in the emerging international environment. The programme includes discussions on the status of Korea-China-Japan studies and education in India, India's future development, Korea-India relations and strategic solidarity in the Indo-Pacific era. It also features discussions on strengthening Korea-India diplomatic and economic partnerships in an era of multipolarity.

The forum will also devote substantial attention to the Korean Peninsula and security environment in Northeast Asia. Sessions will examine denuclearisation, nuclear self-reliance, inter-Korean relations, US-DPRK relations, North Korea's relations with China and Russia, and India's interests and strategic role on the Korean Peninsula.

Another major area of discussion will be peace, reconciliation and Korean unification. Speakers are scheduled to examine the role of multilateral groups and the Global South, India's perspective on Korean unification, economic engagement between the two Koreas, common security and the prospects for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The international dimension of the forum will extend beyond the Korean Peninsula. Sessions will explore the evolving international order, the role of great and middle powers in the Indo-Pacific, India's and China's perspectives on global changes, relations between India, the EU and emerging powers, and possible reforms to global governance mechanisms. Scholars and experts from countries including South Korea, India, China, Russia, Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the United Kingdom are listed in the programme.

Economic cooperation will form another important component. Discussions will focus on economic security, fair trade, the political economy of BRICS and the Global South, Korea-India economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific era, ASEAN political economy, and economic cooperation involving Russia and the DPRK.

The forum will also highlight the contribution of the Korean community and diaspora. Sessions will examine the Korean community in India and its economic and cultural contributions, the meaning and influence of diaspora in a global era, Korean diaspora literature, Indian diaspora and transnationalism, diasporic Koreans and their ethnic homeland, and Korean communities in Central Asia.

Culture and intellectual exchange will provide another dimension to the programme. Sessions include discussions on Rabindranath Tagore, Indian philosophy, culture and civilisation, K-Culture and K-Philosophy, migration and South-South cooperation, and the Gandhi-Nehru political philosophy framework.

The organisers describe the New Delhi forum as an effort to understand a changing world through geopolitical, geoeconomic and cultural perspectives while encouraging dialogue and cooperation among global opinion leaders. The broader objective is to share the vitality of changing societies and contribute towards a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in world politics, diplomacy, military affairs, economy, technology, culture and diaspora affairs.

The 27th World Korea Forum in New Delhi is therefore expected to provide a significant platform for India-Korea dialogue and wider international exchange, while seeking to build bridges of public diplomacy and diaspora cooperation during a period of major global transition.

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India Korea, Vivek Sharma, CALCE Bharat, Korea Global Foundation, Indo Korea, WKF, New Delhi, University of Delhi, Department of East Asian Studies

During a joint press statement, both leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements indicate a wide-ranging effort to enhance economic engagement and deepen cooperation in both emerging and established sectors.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Lee, describing his life as “an inspiring example of struggle, service, and dedication,” and stated that the visit represents an important step in further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two democracies. Highlighting shared democratic values, Modi noted that the relationship is progressing from a trusted partnership toward a futuristic strategic alliance.

Trade Expansion and CEPA Upgrade

A major outcome of the summit was the decision to substantially increase bilateral trade. Both nations have set a goal to raise trade to $50 billion by 2030, nearly doubling the present volume of around $25–27 billion. To achieve this, the leaders agreed to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) within the coming year to better reflect evolving global trade trends.

Industrial Cooperation and Investment Boost

To further enhance industrial ties, Prime Minister Modi announced plans to develop dedicated Korean industrial townships in India. These townships are intended to support the entry and growth of South Korean companies, especially small and medium enterprises, by offering better infrastructure and regulatory assistance.

An Industrial Cooperation Committee will also be set up as a ministerial platform to strengthen business engagement and promote trade and investment between the two countries.

Financial and Economic Mechanisms

To support expanding economic relations, both sides announced the establishment of new institutional mechanisms. The India-Korea Financial Forum will help ensure smoother capital movement and boost investment partnerships, while an Economic Security Dialogue will focus on critical technologies and supply chain resilience.

Additionally, discussions were held on simplifying regulatory processes for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling smoother industrial cooperation and business activities.

India-Korea Digital Bridge

A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the “India-Korea Digital Bridge,” a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation in advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and information technology.

This initiative reflects the shared vision of both nations to build resilient supply chains and future-ready industries. Collaboration in areas like chip manufacturing, advanced technologies, and innovation ecosystems is expected to play a significant role in shaping the partnership.

Expanding Cultural and People-to-People Ties

Beyond economic and technological engagement, both leaders emphasised the importance of cultural and people-to-people connections. They noted the increasing popularity of Korean culture in India and identified films, animation, gaming, and entertainment as growing areas of engagement.

On cultural ties, the Prime Minister remarked, “India and Korea share cultural ties dating back thousands of years. The story of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Korea from 2,000 years ago is our shared heritage.” He added, “Today, K-Pop and K-Dramas are becoming very popular in India. Similarly, the recognition of Indian cinema and culture is growing in Korea. We are delighted that President Lee himself is a fan of Indian cinema. To strengthen this cultural connect, we will organize the India-Korea Friendship Festival in 2028.”

Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the Prime Minister concluded, “Nearly 100 years ago, India’s great poet, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, called Korea the ‘Lamp of the East.’ Today, Korea is a vital partner in realizing our resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047). Let us, through our partnership, pave the way for the progress and prosperity of both our countries and the entire world.”

Global and Strategic Cooperation

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, underlining the importance of stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to deepen collaboration in areas such as green energy, critical technologies, and supply chain security.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed South Korea’s participation in global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Vision for the Future

President Lee appreciated India’s development progress and its long-term growth vision, while both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a forward-looking partnership. The visit, the first by a South Korean president to India in over eight years, is being regarded as a major milestone in bilateral relations.

The summit concluded with Prime Minister Modi accepting an invitation to visit South Korea in the near future, indicating continued high-level engagement between the two nations.

With expanded engagement across economic, technological, cultural, and strategic domains, India and South Korea have laid the groundwork for a deeper and more comprehensive partnership in the coming years.

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