WRITER: DHAVAN AASHIKA PREMSINGH
EDITOR: RITIN
Public Health Collaboration
India and South Korea exchanged critical data and best practices on pandemic management. On April 09, 2020, and October 21, 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on the telephone with H.E. Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea. The two leaders discussed COVID-19, the challenges that needed to be faced, and how to overcome and fight them.
During the pandemic, the Republic of Korea (ROK) provided medical supplies which included around 450,000-500,000 test kits on 30 April 2020 and personal protective equipment (PPE). Both nations also collaborated in research and development, working on finding a cure to protect the world. And on May 12, 2021, a consignment from South Korea arrived in India, containing thirty oxygen concentrators and two hundred oxygen cylinders with regulators to aid in the COVID-19 response.
Economic and Supply Chain Resilience
The pandemic highlighted the weaknesses in the supply chain. China was ruling the supply chain, and every country wanted to shift to another partner, including India and the Republic of Korea (ROK). On one hand, India was focusing on “Make in India” and wanted to lessen China’s domination by exporting more products to countries like the USA, Russia, Germany, and others. On the other hand, the Republic of Korea (ROK) wanted to lessen its imports from China and was finding other opportunities. During the pandemic, the Republic of Korea (ROK) started shifting its imports more towards India is a general trend that is seen.
India’s exports to South Korea grew from US$3.64 billion to US$7.09 billion between 2010 and 2021, indicating an increasing trade relationship.
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) became “natural partners” while reshaping supply chain dynamics in East Asia in the post-COVID-19 era. Both countries explored new opportunities to collaborate in high-technology sectors, including information technology hardware manufacturing, semiconductors, and defense industries. These initiatives were aimed at reducing dependency on single-source suppliers and enhancing mutual economic security.
Technological and Strategic Cooperation
On 24 March 2024, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held their 10th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Seoul. A week later, through Trilateral Cooperation, the United States, South Korea, and India explored possibilities for collaboration in technology fields such as semiconductors, biotechnology, space, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology.
In April 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a $6.94 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2027, which includes support for AI semiconductor firms, aiming to maintain South Korea’s leadership in semiconductor technology
South Korea’s advanced defense industry contributed to India’s “Make in India” initiative, fostering synergies in indigenous manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties
During the pandemic, Hallyu (the Korean Wave) rose even higher. K-pop groups like “BTS” and “Blackpink,” along with K-dramas like Crash Landing on You and Squid Game, became popular in India, especially among the youth.
The viewership of K-dramas surged by over 370% in 2020, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean entertainment among Indian audiences. This cultural influence made Korean products, including food, skincare, and fashion items, more popular.
Through scholarships like GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), Study in India (SII), and ICCR Scholarship, many students became curious and attracted to study opportunities in both countries.
Strategic Alignment in the Indo-Pacific Region
During the global pandemic, India and South Korea started to work more closely not just in health and the economy, but also in security. One of the most major areas of cooperation is the Indo-Pacific region. This region is important because it connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and many countries depend on it for trade and security.
Both India and South Korea believe in keeping the Indo-Pacific free, open, and peaceful. They want to make sure no single country controls this area and that all countries can use it fairly. This has become more important because of rising tensions in the region. India and South Korea also cooperate with other countries like the United States and Japan. Together, they focus on maritime security, trade routes, and technology partnerships. They want to protect sea routes, fight piracy, and keep the region safe for business and travel.
By working together in the Indo-Pacific, India and South Korea have made their relationship stronger. It is not only about friendship but also about protecting shared interests and supporting stability in Asia. This partnership will continue to grow as both countries face future global challenges.
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