India, South Korea decide to set ‘new industrial ambition’ in high-tech sectors

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Cho Hyun | Photocredit: Ani

India and South Korea decided on Saturday to expand their strategic partnership by setting up new “industrial ambition” in the field of semiconductor, defense, clean energy and artificial intelligence.

Ways to raise general bilateral cooperation were prominent in conversations between Minister of Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar and his visiting South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) said that Jaishankar and Hyun agreed to set new industrial ambitions, especially in high-tech sectors such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding and the defense industry.

The ministers took stock of bilateral cooperation, also in political, safety, trade and economy, technological and people-to-people domains, it said.

In a post on social media, Jaishankar described the conversations as “productive”.

“Productive discussions held about promoting our bilateral cooperation in trade, production, maritime and exchanges from people to people, as well as new opportunities in AI, semiconductors, clean energy and defense,” he said.

Jaishankar said that he and Hyun also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global developments.

“Appreciate our deepening of convergences and growing involvement, because our special strategic partnership completes 10 years,” he added.

In his opening comments during the meeting, Jaishankar also thanked Seoul for his conviction of the horrible Pahalgam terror attack of 22 April.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stated Seoul’s support to an Indian parliamentary delegation that Zuid -Korea visited in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

“You have barely been to the job for a month (if the Minister of Foreign Affairs), the fact that you are literally here one day after your national day, and our national day, really says a lot about the value we attach to the relationship,” said Jaishankar.

The India-Zuid-Korea tires have had a revival in recent years, especially in the field of trade and defense.

The Mea said that Jaishankar and Hyun confirmed the strong and growing “special strategic partnership” between the two countries.

The partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual trust, shared economic interests and dedication to regional and global peace and stability, it said.

“The ministers also shared their assessment on regional and global issues of common interest,” the MEA said in a statement.

Published on August 17, 2025