Jaishankar Calls for Stronger India-South Korea Ties in Defence and Shipbuilding

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for deeper cooperation between India and South Korea, highlighting defence, shipbuilding, healthcare and infrastructure as key areas for expanding bilateral ties. Speaking at the Jeju Forum in South Korea, Jaishankar also stressed the importance of strengthening the Global South and building a more balanced multipolar international order.

His remarks come as India continues to deepen strategic and economic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while promoting greater collaboration among emerging economies.

Jaishankar Calls for Broader Bilateral Cooperation

Addressing the Jeju Forum, Jaishankar said India and South Korea should expand cooperation across several strategic sectors.

He identified the following priority areas:

• Defence cooperation.
• Shipbuilding.
• Healthcare.
• Infrastructure development.
• Economic collaboration.
• Technology partnerships.

According to the External Affairs Minister, stronger engagement in these sectors would benefit both countries and contribute to regional stability.

Defence and Shipbuilding Highlighted

Jaishankar placed particular emphasis on defence and shipbuilding, sectors that have become increasingly important in the Indo-Pacific region.

Greater cooperation could include:

• Defence manufacturing.
• Maritime security.
• Naval technology.
• Shipbuilding expertise.
• Industrial collaboration.

India has been working to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while expanding international defence partnerships.

Focus on the Global South

The minister also highlighted the importance of providing greater opportunities for countries in the Global South.

He said enhanced capacity building and wider economic participation could create:

• New engines of global growth.
• More balanced international development.
• Stronger cooperation among developing economies.
• Greater resilience in global supply chains.

India has consistently advocated for increased representation of developing nations in global decision-making.

Call for a Multipolar World

Jaishankar reiterated India's support for a multipolar global order, where multiple countries contribute to international stability and economic growth.

He observed that global developments should reflect broader international interests rather than the priorities of only a few nations.

Although he did not mention any country by name, he stressed the need for more inclusive global governance.

India-South Korea Strategic Partnership

India and South Korea maintain a Special Strategic Partnership, with cooperation spanning several sectors.

Key areas of engagement include:

• Trade and investment.
• Defence.
• Technology.
• Renewable energy.
• Electronics manufacturing.
• Cultural exchanges.

Both countries continue to expand collaboration through regular high-level meetings and bilateral agreements.

Why Shipbuilding Matters

Shipbuilding has emerged as a strategic industry for both India and South Korea.

South Korea is among the world's leading shipbuilding nations, while India is working to strengthen its maritime manufacturing capabilities under initiatives aimed at boosting domestic industrial production.

Collaboration in this sector could support:

• Maritime trade.
• Naval capabilities.
• Industrial development.
• Employment generation.
• Technology transfer.

Growing Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and South Korea have increasingly cooperated on issues related to the Indo-Pacific region.

Shared priorities include:

• Maritime security.
• Rules-based international order.
• Regional connectivity.
• Economic resilience.
• Supply chain diversification.

These issues have gained greater importance amid evolving geopolitical developments across Asia.

Economic Relations Between India and South Korea

The two countries continue to strengthen economic ties through growing trade and investment.

Areas of collaboration include:

• Manufacturing.
• Electronics.
• Automotive sector.
• Infrastructure.
• Digital technology.
• Innovation.

Business partnerships have expanded steadily over recent years.

Importance of the Jeju Forum

The Jeju Forum is an international platform where policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and academics discuss regional and global issues.

Topics typically include:

• Peace and security.
• Economic cooperation.
• Sustainable development.
• Climate change.
• International diplomacy.

Jaishankar used the forum to outline India's vision for stronger regional partnerships and global cooperation.

Conclusion

S. Jaishankar's remarks at the Jeju Forum underscore India's continued efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with South Korea while promoting broader cooperation across defence, shipbuilding, healthcare and infrastructure. His call for greater support to the Global South and a more inclusive multipolar world reflects India's wider foreign policy priorities as it seeks to expand partnerships across the Indo-Pacific and contribute to a more balanced international order.

FAQ SECTION

Q1. What did S. Jaishankar say at the Jeju Forum?
He called for stronger India-South Korea cooperation in defence, shipbuilding, healthcare, infrastructure and other strategic sectors.

Q2. Why is shipbuilding important for India and South Korea?
Shipbuilding supports maritime trade, naval capabilities, industrial development and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Q3. What is the Global South?
The Global South broadly refers to developing and emerging economies across Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions.

Q4. What is meant by a multipolar world?
A multipolar world is an international system where power and influence are shared among multiple countries rather than concentrated in a few major powers.

Q5. How are India and South Korea cooperating currently?
The two countries collaborate in trade, investment, defence, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and cultural exchanges.

Q6. What is the Jeju Forum?
The Jeju Forum is an international conference held in South Korea that focuses on peace, security, diplomacy and regional cooperation.