India and South Korea: bolster ties as 'strategic partners' in Indo-Pacific region

The relationship between South Korea and India has been growing steadily, with both nations recognizing their strategic roles in the Indo-Pacific. They have deepened diplomatic engagements, emphasizing a "special strategic partnership." However, while the discussions sound promising, they often lack real, tangible results. The partnership, at times, seems to be more about rhetoric than actual policy execution. Several challenges need to be addressed to make this relationship more meaningful, including the absence of clear deliverables, weak collaboration in high-tech industries, unclear defense cooperation, persistent trade imbalances, and the need for a well-defined regional strategy. If these issues are not tackled, the potential of this partnership may remain largely untapped.

One of the biggest weaknesses of South Korea-India diplomacy is that despite frequent high-level discussions, there are very few concrete outcomes. Summits and meetings highlight shared aspirations but often fail to produce actionable roadmaps. There is no clear timeline or mechanism to ensure that the goals set during these discussions translate into actual policy initiatives. A strategic partnership should not just be about words; it requires measurable steps, whether in the form of new trade agreements, joint investments, or structured collaborations in emerging fields like AI, semiconductors, and green energy. Without this, these diplomatic engagements risk becoming mere formalities.

Another missed opportunity is in the field of technology. South Korea is a global leader in advanced technologies like semiconductor manufacturing, AI, and renewable energy, while India has built a strong reputation in digital transformation and software development. Yet, there is very little structured cooperation between the two countries in these areas. A stronger push for research collaborations between IITs and top South Korean universities like KAIST and POSTECH could lead to breakthroughs that benefit both economies. South Korea’s strength in hardware and India’s expertise in software could create a natural synergy in areas like semiconductor production and AI-driven applications. However, these possibilities remain largely unexplored, and without dedicated efforts to foster innovation together, both countries are missing out on valuable opportunities.

The lack of clarity in defense cooperation is another concern. South Korea is one of the world’s major defense exporters, while India has been pushing for indigenous defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. Despite this alignment of interests, there has been little actual collaboration in terms of technology sharing or joint production. A structured roadmap focusing on naval cooperation, missile systems, and cybersecurity could bring more depth to security relations. Given the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific, stronger defense ties would not only benefit India and South Korea but also contribute to regional stability. Without concrete steps in this direction, the current security dialogue remains largely symbolic.

Trade relations between the two countries are also uneven, with South Korea maintaining a trade surplus. Even though the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was meant to boost trade, Indian exports have not grown as much as expected. Several Indian industries still struggle to access the South Korean market due to non-tariff barriers and regulatory restrictions. A renegotiation of CEPA, with a stronger focus on digital trade, startup collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure, could help make trade relations more balanced. Exploring new areas of economic cooperation, such as green energy and fintech, could also help diversify trade beyond traditional industries. Without these changes, South Korea will continue to benefit disproportionately from the relationship, making economic ties less sustainable in the long run.

Geopolitically, South Korea and India both need to be careful in balancing their relationships with China, the United States, and ASEAN nations. Without a well-defined and independent Indo-Pacific strategy, they risk becoming too dependent on larger powers, which could limit their strategic flexibility. An institutionalized Indo-Korea Strategic Dialogue, held annually, could ensure more consistent engagement between policymakers, business leaders, and academics. Instead of ad hoc meetings, a structured mechanism would help track progress, adapt to changing regional dynamics, and make sure that both countries remain aligned on key issues.

Beyond government-level agreements, building stronger people-to-people ties is essential for a lasting partnership. Visa processes need to be made smoother to encourage student exchanges, business collaborations, and tourism. Expanding educational cooperation, particularly in research-intensive fields, could help drive innovation and long-term engagement. Cultural initiatives such as expanding Korean language programs in India and vice versa could further strengthen ties and promote deeper mutual understanding. Without stronger grassroots connections, even the best diplomatic efforts may struggle to create a meaningful long-term impact.

For individuals with expertise in technology and policy, there are several ways to contribute to strengthening this relationship. Collaborating on research projects with South Korean institutions could help advance innovation in AI, semiconductors, and renewable energy. Exploring South Korea’s startup ecosystem could open new opportunities for Indo-Korean business partnerships. Those interested in policy could engage with think tanks or research institutions that focus on Indo-Pacific strategies. Industry collaborations, particularly in joint R&D projects, could further strengthen technological ties between the two nations.

The South Korea-India partnership has enormous potential, but it cannot be realized without moving beyond diplomatic formalities and focusing on actionable initiatives. Strengthening technological, economic, and defense cooperation, along with fostering deeper academic and cultural ties, is the way forward. If both countries commit to clear policy measures and institutional mechanisms, they can build a partnership that is not only mutually beneficial but also plays a significant role in shaping regional and global stability.

Sources:

1. https://indembassyseoul.gov.in/

2. https://indicrf.org/article/geopolitics-and-ir/a-half-century-of-diplomatic-ties-between-india-and-south-korea-charting-a-course-for-the-future

3. https://thediplomat.com/2024/04/india-south-korea-us-trilateral-technology-cooperation