Writer: Areeba Shafeeq
Editor: Arpita Jena
A Friendship Beyond Diplomacy
When people think of international relations, they imagine formal meetings, business deals, or political speeches. But some partnerships go beyond strategy and economics. They grow through culture, emotion, shared history, and common values.
Picture Credit: KOREA PRO
The relationship between India and South Korea is one such bond. It carries the warmth of friendship, the beauty of legends, and the promise of a strong future.
2,000 Years of Shared History
Many people are surprised to learn that India and Korea have been connected for almost two millennia. One of Korea’s most cherished stories tells us how Princess Suri Ratna, believed to be from Ayodhya, sailed to Korea in 48 CE to marry King Kim Suro of Gaya. Many Koreans proudly trace their ancestry to her, creating an emotional and historical link between the two nations.
Buddhism also travelled from India to Korea, shaping Korean art, architecture, and philosophy. These early cultural exchanges created spiritual ties long before modern diplomacy existed.
Modern Diplomatic Relations
After Korea became a free nation in 1945, India supported its path toward peace. Formal diplomatic relations began in 1973, and both countries soon recognised their shared values—democracy, peace, and development.
India’s Look East Policy and Korea’s New Southern Policy brought both nations even closer. These policies aimed to deepen cooperation across education, culture, security, and technology.
Economic Partnership and Growth
The economy has become one of the strongest pillars of Indo-Korean ties. Korean brands like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia are part of everyday life in India. Korean companies invested early in India, generating millions of jobs and driving industrial development.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2009, boosted trade even further. Today, India and Korea cooperate in electronics, renewable energy, digital innovation, startups, and manufacturing.
Innovation and Technology Collaboration
India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem and Korea’s world-class technology complement one another. From clean energy to space research, scientists and engineers from both nations are forming powerful collaborations. Korea also supports Indian initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, helping strengthen skill development and industry growth.
Security and Defence Cooperation
Both countries share strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. Their navies hold joint exercises, collaborate on defence technologies, and develop key equipment together. Korea has become an important partner in India’s military modernization and maritime security efforts.
Picture Credit: THE KOREA HERALD
Culture: The Heart of Indo-Korean Friendship
Culture has brought India and Korea closer than ever. K-pop, K-dramas, Korean fashion, and food have become a part of India’s youth identity. Korean dishes like kimchi and ramyeon are now popular. Meanwhile, Indians celebrate their love for K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink.
On the other hand, Koreans enjoy Indian festivals, Bollywood movies, and yoga—which has a rapidly growing market in Korea. Film festivals, cultural centers, and tourism allow both countries to learn more about one another, strengthening the emotional connection.
Youth Exchange and Education
Indian students are increasingly choosing South Korea for higher education, thanks to advanced research opportunities and generous scholarships. Similarly, Korean youth are learning about Indian culture, languages, and history.
Language programs, cultural workshops, and student exchange platforms create lasting friendships and global awareness.
Cooperation for Global Challenges
Both countries also work together to solve global problems like climate change, cyber security, and public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they shared medical supplies and built resilient supply chains. Today, they collaborate on green technology and sustainable development.
Future Opportunities and Growth
Like every partnership, there is room for improvement. Increasing trade, simplifying regulations, boosting tourism, and enhancing cultural understanding will help unlock the full potential of Indo-Korean relations.
What makes this partnership special is trust. India sees Korea as a reliable partner and a model of rapid innovation. Korea sees India as a vibrant democracy filled with youth energy and global potential.
A Bond Rooted in the Past, Growing Toward the Future
Indo-Korean relations are more than diplomatic ties. They are about people connecting through culture, food, music, stories, and shared curiosity. As Asia continues to shape the global future, the friendship between India and South Korea stands strong—rooted in ancient connections and growing toward a bright tomorrow.
Picture Credit: BUSINESS STANDARD
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