Historical Background
Contacts between the Indian subcontinent and the Korean peninsula date back to ancient times, facilitated by the Silk Road and maritime trade. The earliest documented link is the legend of the Indian monk **Maitreya** (also known as **Maitripa**) who traveled to Korea in the 4th century. Formal diplomatic relations, however, were established only after both nations regained sovereignty in the mid20th century. India recognised the Republic of Korea (South Korea) on 1 August 1973, and embassies were opened in New Delhi and Seoul in 1975.
Since the 1990s, the relationship has moved from a largely symbolic connection to a robust partnership built on shared democratic values, economic complementarity, and a common strategic outlook in the IndoPacific region.
Economic Partnership
Trade Growth
Bilateral trade has surged from around US$ 500million in the early 1990s to over US$ 20billion in 2023. India primarily exports mineral fuels, organic chemicals, cotton, and pharmaceuticals, while South Korea exports automobiles, electronic equipment, machinery, and steel.
Investment Landscape
South Korean investment in India has risen sharply, especially in automobiles (Hyundai, Kia), electronics (Samsung, LG), and renewable energy (Hanwha, Doosan). Cumulative FDI from Korea to India topped US$ 9billion in 2022, making Korea the 10th largest investor in the country.
Key Agreements
- 1999 Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation.
- 2006 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) a landmark deal that reduced tariffs on over 900 product categories.
- 2021 MoU on Renewable Energy and Green Technology, highlighting joint projects in solar, wind and hydrogen.
Strategic & Security Cooperation
Both countries view a free, open, and rulebased IndoPacific as essential to their national security. Since 2014, highlevel defence dialogues have been institutionalised, leading to joint exercises such as **CopeIndia** (maritime) and **TigerIndia** (army).
South Korea has supported Indias bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and backed Indian positions on issues such as cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Meanwhile, India has welcomed Koreas participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) as an observer, reflecting converging security interests.
PeopletoPeople and Cultural Links
Educational exchange is a cornerstone of the relationship. More than 15,000 Indian students pursue higher education in South Korea, attracted by scholarships under the **Global Korea Scholarship** programme. Conversely, around 1,200 Korean students study in Indian institutions, especially in fields like business and hospitality.
The popularity of Korean pop culture (Kpop, Kdramas) in India has generated a vibrant fan base, while Indian yoga, yogabased wellness centres, and Bollywood films enjoy growing audiences in South Korea. Cultural festivals are regularly organised in both capitals, fostering mutual understanding.
Tourism
Tourist arrivals have risen steadily. In 2022, over 350,000 Indians visited South Korea, drawn by shopping, technology fairs, and cultural sites. South Korean tourists to India numbered around 120,000, favouring heritage destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Kerala.
Future Outlook
Both governments have identified six priority areas for the next decade:
- Technology & Innovation: Collaboration on 5G, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing.
- Renewable Energy: Joint R&D on solarhydrogen hybrid systems and battery technology.
- Infrastructure: Korean participation in Indian smartcity projects and highspeed rail.
- Defence & Cybersecurity: Codevelopment of unmanned systems and cyberdefence capacity building.
- Health & Pharmaceuticals: Joint production of vaccines and generic medicines.
- Cultural Exchange: Expanded language programmes, film coproductions and tourism circuits.
In addition, the upcoming **IndiaKorea Business Summit 2025** in Seoul aims to bring together over 500 CEOs, venture capitalists and policymakers to cement the next phase of partnership.
Overall, the IndiaSouth Korea relationship is moving from a transactional model to a strategic, multidimensional partnership underpinned by shared democratic values, economic interdependence, and a mutual vision for a stable IndoPacific.
