New Delhi: President Lee Jae-myung began his three day state visit to India with a ceremonial welcome hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Arriving in New Delhi with First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, Lee’s visit is the first by a South Korean head of state to India in over eight years. The trip is being seen as an effort to deepen Seoul’s engagement with emerging economies and reinforce its strategic partnership with India.
The visit’s agenda is packed with high level engagements. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to hold initial discussions with the visiting leader, laying the groundwork for broader bilateral talks. A key highlight will be the summit between Lee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, where both sides are expected to explore new avenues of cooperation.
Discussions are likely to centre on critical technologies such as semiconductors and green energy, alongside strengthening defence manufacturing under India’s Make in India initiative with South Korean collaboration. Trade and economic ties are also expected to feature prominently, including efforts to upgrade the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost investment and market access.
In addition to official meetings, President Lee will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and engage with business leaders at a forum in Bharat Mandapam. The interaction is expected to focus on enhancing private sector participation, expanding investment flows and building resilient supply chains.
The visit will conclude with further engagements at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflecting the importance both nations place on their evolving partnership. The talks are expected to result in agreements that will shape cooperation across strategic sectors while reinforcing a shared vision for stability and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
