New Delhi: Seoul is actively seeking a bilateral visit for President Yoon Suk Yeol to India in early 2024, as disclosed by sources familiar with the matter. While President Yoon previously visited India for the G20 summit in September, a dedicated bilateral visit is expected to propel key initiatives in the relationship, particularly in the realms of advanced technologies, trade, and a migration and mobility agreement.
The proposed visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between South Korea and India, with a focus on fostering cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. This agenda was underscored during the meeting between India’s deputy national security adviser, Vikram Misri, and South Korea’s foreign minister, Park Jin, in Seoul this August. Minister Park Jin had also visited India in April, emphasizing discussions on trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
Cooperation in critical and emerging technologies has been a cornerstone of the bilateral ties, and this visit is anticipated to advance shared interests in this domain.
Queries directed to the External Affairs Ministry and the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi remained unanswered at the time of press.
Notably, India and South Korea are actively engaged in discussions regarding a migration agreement for Indian talent. This agreement is expected to be concluded under an established government mechanism on migration, differing from the more comprehensive migration pacts India has signed with countries such as Germany, Australia, and the UK.
The proposed visit gains significance as South Korea seeks to expand its partnerships, especially in the context of heightened competition between the US and China in recent years.
South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy highlights the importance of advancing the special strategic partnership with India, recognizing it as a leading regional partner with shared values. The strategy emphasizes India’s potential for growth, boasting the world’s second-largest population and cutting-edge IT and space technologies.
As President Yoon Suk Yeol’s potential visit to India looms on the horizon, it is anticipated that both nations will take significant strides in fortifying their relationship across various sectors, contributing to regional stability and economic collaboration.
