The BRICS TimesPresident Lee Jae-myung arrives in Delhi with First Lady Kim Hea-kyung for a three-day state visit.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has reached New Delhi for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will focus heavily on shipbuilding and artificial intelligence during their discussions. President Lee received a formal red-carpet welcome upon his arrival in the capital this Sunday.
“Amidst ongoing supply chain instability and a global economic crisis stemming from the aftermath of the Middle East conflict, the Republic of Korea and India are emerging as increasingly vital strategic partners for one another,” Lee stated on social media.
Focus on Technology and Regional Security
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the dialogue will cover shipbuilding, trade, and investments. Both nations aim to collaborate on AI, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies. South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, noted that the leaders will also discuss peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi hosted a grand reception for Lee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Children in traditional outfits greeted the visitors by waving flags of both nations. The MEA described this visit as a major milestone for the “Special Strategic Partnership” between the countries.
Lee and First Lady Honor Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung visited Rajghat on Monday morning. They laid a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi to show their respect. This gesture highlights the deep cultural and diplomatic ties shared by India and South Korea.
Earlier, the President received a ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt. This event marked the official start of the second day of his state visit. Modi and Lee watched together as Indian troops marched past the presidential palace.
Economic Ties and Energy Security Concerns
The visit comes as South Korea faces energy risks due to tensions in the Middle East. Recent conflicts have threatened the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for oil. Both countries now seek to upgrade their 2010 economic partnership agreement to ensure stability.
Trade between India and South Korea has jumped significantly over the years. It rose from $14.2 billion in 2010 to $26.89 billion in the 2024-25 period. This represents a massive growth of nearly 90 percent according to official ministry data.
