Amid a Widening Gulf, the Need for a Bridge Between India and South Korea
This opinion piece argues that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, particularly Iran's attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, presents a strategic opportunity for India and South Korea to deepen their political engagement. While their relationship has historically been driven by commerce, shared vulnerabilities in energy security and maritime navigation now demand closer cooperation. Asia remains heavily dependent on Gulf energy, with nearly 70% of its crude imports coming from the region, making freedom of navigation critical for economic stability. The author suggests that Asian nations must develop their own capabilities and voice to uphold international law, rather than relying solely on US naval primacy, which is becoming increasingly transactional. Upcoming diplomatic events, including South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Delhi and the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, offer platforms to build a regional coalition. These engagements aim to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait while establishing institutional mechanisms for safe transit. The article emphasizes that maritime and energy security are immediate areas where India and South Korea can inject real political content into their strategic partnership, addressing the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
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Amid a Widening Gulf, the Need for a Bridge Between India and South Korea
This opinion piece argues that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, particularly Iran's attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, presents a strategic opportunity for India and South Korea to deepen their political engagement. While their relationship has historically been driven by commerce, shared vulnerabilities in energy security and maritime navigation now demand closer cooperation. Asia remains heavily dependent on Gulf energy, with nearly 70% of its crude imports coming from the region, making freedom of navigation critical for economic stability. The author suggests that Asian nations must develop their own capabilities and voice to uphold international law, rather than relying solely on US naval primacy, which is becoming increasingly transactional. Upcoming diplomatic events, including South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Delhi and the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, offer platforms to build a regional coalition. These engagements aim to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait while establishing institutional mechanisms for safe transit. The article emphasizes that maritime and energy security are immediate areas where India and South Korea can inject real political content into their strategic partnership, addressing the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
indianexpress