South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Visits India for Strategic Talks
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in New Delhi for a historic three-day state visit, the first by a South Korean head of state in eight years. Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, the leaders aimed to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership. Key agenda items included upgrading trade ties to reach $50 billion by 2030 and enhancing cooperation in shipbuilding, semiconductors, AI, and defense. The visit underscores Seoul’s Global South diplomacy amid global supply chain uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
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PM Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting with South Korean President Lee in New Delhi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in New Delhi on April 20, 2026, marking the third in-person summit since President Lee assumed office. The meeting is part of President Lee’s three-day state visit to India, which began with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. Prior to the talks, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the discussions would strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The agenda covers key sectors such as shipbuilding, trade, investments, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and emerging technologies, alongside cultural exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a significant milestone in advancing bilateral ties rooted in shared democratic values. Following the bilateral talks, PM Modi hosted a lunch for the President, who is also scheduled to attend a state banquet hosted by President Murmu. The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduSouth Korean President Lee Visits India for Strategic Talks on Shipping and AI
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in New Delhi on April 20, 2026, for a state visit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-level talks prioritize strengthening bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical emerging technologies. This visit occurs against a backdrop of global economic instability and supply chain disruptions following recent Middle East conflicts, which have impacted energy supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders aim to bolster their strategic partnership, viewing each other as vital allies in navigating current geopolitical challenges. Discussions also cover regional peace efforts regarding the Korean Peninsula. Since the implementation of their 2010 economic partnership agreement, bilateral trade has surged by nearly 90 percent, reaching US$26.89 billion in 2024-25. The visit includes ceremonial receptions and aims to expand investment opportunities and secure supply chains in key industrial sectors. This engagement underscores the deepening economic and security ties between Seoul and New Delhi as they seek to mitigate risks from ongoing international crises and enhance technological collaboration.
Latest NewsJaishankar Confident Modi-Lee Talks Will Strengthen India-South Korea Strategic Ties
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung commenced a three-day state visit to India on April 19, 2026, aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations in trade, defense, and critical technologies. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President Lee in New Delhi, expressing confidence that upcoming discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will significantly bolster the special strategic partnership between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the leaders will address cooperation in key sectors such as shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and investments, alongside enhancing people-to-people connections. President Lee is also scheduled to meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honor. This high-level diplomatic engagement underscores the shared commitment of India and South Korea to expand collaboration in emerging areas while strengthening existing ties. The visit highlights the ongoing upswing in strategic relations between the two countries, focusing on mutual interests in regional and global issues. The talks are expected to yield concrete outcomes in economic and technological domains, reflecting the deepening strategic alignment between New Delhi and Seoul.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduSouth Korean President Lee Visits India for Trade Talks with Modi
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has commenced a three-day state visit to India, marking the first such presidential trip in eight years. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen economic ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both nations aiming to nearly double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Current trade stands at approximately $25.7 billion, with South Korea holding a significant surplus. Key discussion points include upgrading the existing trade pact and enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, finance, defense, and shipbuilding. The visit occurs against a backdrop of global economic strain and supply chain instability exacerbated by tensions in the Middle East, particularly affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, energy security has become a focal point, with India increasing naphtha supplies to South Korea. President Lee emphasized the need to transform the current low level of economic cooperation into a robust strategic partnership. During the trip, Lee is scheduled to attend business events with corporate leaders before proceeding to Vietnam. This diplomatic engagement underscores the growing importance of Indo-Pacific economic alliances amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Deutsche WelleSouth Korea Targets India and Vietnam in Co-Prosperity Push for Trade and Tech
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has embarked on a six-day diplomatic trip to India and Vietnam, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships and economic ties with the Global South. Arriving in New Delhi, Lee is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business leaders, and Korean expatriates. The visit occurs against a backdrop of Middle East turmoil and intensifying US-China rivalry, prompting Seoul to diversify its trade partners and secure supply chains. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-rak emphasized the goal of comprehensively strengthening the special strategic partnership with India. Key objectives include upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030. Cooperation is expected to expand in sectors such as shipbuilding, maritime industries, finance, artificial intelligence, and defense. Experts note that global supply chain uncertainties and energy security issues linked to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine are driving this diplomatic expansion. The initiative reflects Seoul's pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, seeking mutually beneficial cooperation while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
News - South China Morning PostSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung Arrives in Delhi for State Visit and Talks with PM Modi
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day state visit, marking the first such visit by a South Korean head of state to India in eight years. On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President Lee to discuss strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The key agenda includes a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to address cooperation in shipbuilding, trade, investments, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical emerging technologies. The visit aims to lay the groundwork for achieving $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 through accelerated negotiations on the Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Scheduled events include an official welcoming ceremony, wreath-laying at Gandhi Memorial Park, MOU exchanges, and the Korea-India Business Dialogue. President Lee will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honor. South Korean officials described the visit as a full-scale launch of Global South diplomacy, emphasizing shared aspirations to expand collaboration in new areas of mutual interest while reinforcing existing ties.
The Indian ExpressSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Visit India for Strategic Talks
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to visit India from April 19 to 21, marking his first trip to the nation since assuming office in June 2025. This visit, the first by a South Korean head of state in over eight years, aims to strengthen the special strategic partnership between Seoul and New Delhi as part of South Korea’s Global South diplomacy. Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-level delegation, President Lee will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Key agenda items include enhancing cooperation in shipbuilding, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical emerging technologies. The leaders are also expected to address supply chain stability amid regional conflicts and discuss peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. Economic ties, bolstered by the 2010 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, remain central, with bilateral trade reaching USD 21.5 billion in early 2025. The itinerary features a state banquet, meetings with external affairs officials, and a business forum with corporate executives from both countries, underscoring shared democratic values and ancient civilizational links.
The Indian Express