Syllabus
GS Paper II – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context
India and South Korea were celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relationship in 2023.
India-South Korea relations
Introduction
India-South Korea (Republic of Korea) diplomatic relations reached the significant milestone of 50 years in 2023. Over time, these ties have deepened strategically and economically, with a considerable convergence of interests, reciprocal goodwill, and high-level exchanges. India’s economic liberalization, “Look East Policy,” and “Act East Policy” resonated with South Korea’s free market ideas. Notably, India consistently advocated for the amicable unification of the two Koreas. The relationship has historical roots, including India’s positive role during the Korean War and subsequent bilateral agreements. President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s state visit in 2006 marked a new phase, leading to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership level.
Historical Relations
- According to the 13th-century Korean historical text “Samguk Yusa” or “Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms,” Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya (India) arrived in Korea in 48 AD.
- She married King Kim-Suro of the erstwhile Gaya Confederacy, becoming Queen Heo Hwang-ok. Many Koreans trace their ancestry back to this lineage.
- Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed the evocative poem “Lamp of the East” in 1929, celebrating Korea’s glorious past and promising future.
Political Relations
- India played a crucial role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945.
- Former Indian diplomat Shri K. P. S. Menon chaired the 9-member UN Commission established in 1947 to hold elections in Korea.
- During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a resolution sponsored by India, leading to the ceasefire declaration on July 27, 1953.
Diplomatic Relations
- Consular relations were established between India and Korea in 1962.
- Full diplomatic relations were formalized in 1973.
- In 2010, they formed a “Strategic Partnership,” which was later elevated to a “Special Strategic Partnership” in 2015.
Economic Relations
- The current bilateral trade between India and South Korea stands at USD 21 billion.
- The target is to reach USD 50 billion by 2030.
- The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2010 has facilitated trade growth.
- India’s “Korea Plus” facilitation cell under ‘Invest India’ assists Korean investors seeking opportunities in India.
Importance of South Korea for India
- Indo-Pacific Partnership:
- South Korea’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, near China, makes it a natural partner for India.
- As a U.S. ally, South Korea aligns with India’s strategic interests in the region.
- Common Interests:
- Regional tensions between India and China create shared interests for India and South Korea.
- Collaborative efforts can enhance regional stability.
- Managing Nuclear Neighbors:
- South Korea’s interest in handling North Korea mirrors India’s approach toward Pakistan.
- Both countries face challenges related to neighboring nuclear states.
- U.S. Alliance System:
- The U.S. alliance with South Korea and Japan puts pressure on North Korea to limit its nuclear program.
- This containment benefits India’s economic and regional interests in East Asia.
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation:
- India’s responsible nuclear state status is reinforced by its approach to non-proliferation.
- Cooperation with South Korea contributes to global nuclear security.
Recent Developments in India-South Korea Relations
- Defence Cooperation:
- South Korea’s willingness to share submarine and missile technology with India strengthens bilateral defense ties.
- The K9 Vajra, a 52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer designed by a South Korean firm, exemplifies this collaboration.
- Financial Support:
- South Korea commits to providing USD 4 billion as a line of credit to India over the next three years for “high-value” projects.
- Trade Dynamics:
- In FY21, India’s total exports to South Korea amounted to approximately $4.68 billion.
- Imports from South Korea, including microphones and cameras, reached $12.77 billion.
- Notably, India exports aluminum and mineral fuels to South Korea.
- Strategic Partnership:
- India and South Korea aim to make “substantive progress” in their special strategic partnership.
- Discussions on upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and promoting B2B interactions between industry leaders are priorities.
Challenges in India-South Korea Relations
- Business Trust:
- Leaders of India and South Korea must address basic problems related to trust between their business communities.
- The current trust level isn’t where it should be for effective collaboration.
- Content in Strategic Partnership:
- Despite a formal strategic partnership announcement, a decade ago, Delhi and Seoul struggle to infuse substantial content into it.
- Indo-Pacific Priorities:
- While India adopts the Indo-Pacific concept, Korea hasn’t been a top regional priority for India in Asia.
- Racial Prejudice and Integration:
- Instances of racial prejudice and discrimination against the Indian community in South Korea highlight the need for sensitization and better integration of the Indian diaspora.
Way forward
- Building Business Trust:
- Business Exchanges: Organize regular business delegations, trade fairs, and industry-specific events to foster direct interactions between Indian and South Korean businesses.
- Joint Ventures: Encourage joint ventures and collaborations in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and innovation. Shared projects can enhance trust and create win-win situations.
- Strengthening Strategic Partnership:
- Sectoral Cooperation: Develop sector-specific action plans within the strategic partnership framework. Focus on defense, technology, energy, and cultural exchanges.
- High-Level Dialogues: Arrange frequent high-level dialogues between government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to deepen cooperation.
- Elevating Regional Priorities:
- Indo-Pacific Engagement: Highlight South Korea’s significance in the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthen maritime security cooperation, joint exercises, and disaster response mechanisms.
- Track 1.5 Diplomacy: Engage in track 1.5 dialogues involving academics, think tanks, and experts to enhance mutual understanding and regional alignment.
- Promoting Integration and Inclusion:
- Awareness Campaigns: Run awareness campaigns in both countries to combat racial prejudice and promote cultural understanding.
- Diaspora Engagement: Involve the Indian diaspora in South Korea through community events, language programs, and cultural exchanges.
- These initiatives can pave the way for a more robust and mutually beneficial India-South Korea relationship.
Conclusion
As India and South Korea celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, the convergence of their respective Free and Open Indo-Pacific visions takes center stage. This milestone offers an opportunity to deepen strategic ties, enhance economic cooperation, and address shared challenges. By leveraging their geographic positions, historical connections, and mutual interests, India and South Korea can forge a stronger partnership that contributes to regional stability, economic growth, and global security. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the potential for collaboration and the need to overcome existing challenges to build a resilient and dynamic relationship.
Related PYQ
‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Mains]
Practice Question
Examine the significant developments in India-South Korea relations over the past 50 years. [150 words]