South Korea’s President in India: What’s on agenda as Lee meets PM Modi

Lee Jae-myung, President of South Korea, arrived on Sunday in the Indian capital for a three-day visit to India. The state visit will involve high-level interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on areas such as shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, trade, and new technologies.

President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hea-kyung were given a red-carpet reception in India. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received President Lee Jae-myung at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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In a statement shared on social media, Lee described India and South Korea as “increasingly vital strategic partners” amid global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty following the Middle East conflict.

Focus on technology, trade and strategic cooperation

According to officials cited by AFP, discussions between the two leaders will cover a broad agenda including trade, investments, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies.

South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said ahead of the visit that both sides are also expected to discuss cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as an “important milestone” in strengthening the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, the MEA said President Lee was received by Minister of State Harsh Malhotra upon arrival.

Ceremonial engagements and diplomatic signals

Lee and his wife Kim paid respects at Rajghat for Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at the monument, symbolizing the common democratic values that India and South Korea share.

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This visit takes place during an era of increasing geopolitical tensions following incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, which have caused disruptions in the movement of energy worldwide. South Korea, heavily dependent on energy imports, has been closely monitoring the situation.

India and South Korea are also looking to deepen economic ties under their 2010 comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Bilateral trade has risen from $14.2 billion at the time of its implementation to $26.89 billion in 2024–25, according to India’s foreign ministry.