Will the new president in South Korea affect its strong bond with India? The answer might surprise you. The relationship between India and South Korea is growing stronger every year, and experts believe that this partnership will continue to flourish, no matter who becomes South Korea’s next president. Even though some people are concerned about the upcoming presidential elections in South Korea, observers say that India and South Korea’s friendship is built on strong foundations that go beyond politics.
India and South Korea are both vibrant democracies with a deep respect for shared values like democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order. Over the years, both nations have taken many steps to bring their people, businesses, and governments closer. One of the most important moments in this journey was in May 2015, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seoul and both countries upgraded their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership.” This meant more cooperation in areas like defense, trade, science, and culture.
Even earlier, in 2010, India and South Korea signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which made it easier for both countries to trade and invest in each other’s economies. In 2011, they signed a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which allowed South Korea to help India build nuclear power plants. This agreement also made South Korea the ninth country to sign such a deal with India after India got the Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver in 2008.
The cultural connection between the two countries is also strong and historic. According to an old Korean text called Samguk Yusa, a princess from India named Suriratna traveled to Korea in 48 AD and married King Kim-Suro of the Gaya Kingdom. She became Queen Heo Hwang-ok, and even today, many Koreans proudly trace their ancestry back to this Indian princess. This beautiful story reminds us that the ties between India and Korea are not just political or economic, but also deeply personal.
In recent years, the partnership has only grown deeper. In 2018 and 2019, India and South Korea signed multiple agreements to boost cooperation in areas like technology, culture, infrastructure, and even fighting terrorism together. South Korea has pledged billions of dollars in investments for Indian infrastructure projects, including smart cities and power generation.
Even today, South Korea is showing strong interest in India’s fast-growing industries. At a recent event in Haryana’s Model Economic Township, South Korea’s Ambassador to India, Lee Seong-ho, talked about how Korean companies are excited about investing in India’s expanding healthcare and industrial sectors. These efforts are also in line with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.
As South Korea prepares for its presidential elections on June 3, some people wonder if a new president could change things. One of the leading candidates, Lee Jae-myung, is seen as more friendly with China compared to the outgoing President Yoon Suk Yeol, who supported strong ties with democracies like India. But experts say that such fears are overblown. South Korea’s foreign policy is shaped by national interests and long-term goals, not just by one leader.
Regardless of who becomes the next president, it is unlikely that South Korea will choose to weaken its growing relationship with India. Both countries know how important this partnership is, for trade, security, technology, and even cultural pride. With their shared democratic values and mutual respect, India and South Korea seem ready to take their friendship to new heights in the years to come.
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