September 11, 2023
The Power of India-South Korea Ties
One Indo-Pacific relationship that has been largely overlooked is that between South Korea and India. These two rising middle powers will increasingly help shape the economic, political, security, and digital landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. The synergy and cooperation between the two countries on pressing issues like the realignment of supply chains for critical minerals and technologies, protecting the maritime commons, bridging the developed and developing economies, and supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework will make a critical difference in a region faced with intensifying competition between the United States and China. This weekend’s Group of 20 (G20) Summit in New Delhi provided an opportunity for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to build on their expanding bilateral ties and demonstrate to the world that they bring unique perspectives that will help resolve the most vexing global challenges.
The economic and geopolitical imperatives for expanding India-South Korea bilateral ties are clear.
It is fitting to put a spotlight on progress of India-South Korea ties since this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The India-Korea economic relationship has been deepening for some time, and in 2009 the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to reduce tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to bilateral trade. By 2021, bilateral trade in goods between New Delhi and Seoul had reached $24 billion, and India was Korea’s seventh-largest export market.
Read the full article from Korea on Point.
More from CNAS
-
From Military Warnings to Global Maneuvers; Is North Korea Poised for a Strategic Shift?
Video
As Washington and Seoul prepare for a key summit, the North is tightening military ties with Russia, pledging thousands more personnel by year's end. To help break down what's...
By Dr. Go Myong-Hyun
-
Commentary
Indo-Pacific Security / Transatlantic Security
Sharper: The Axis of UpheavalDespite some claims to the contrary, the axis of upheaval remains active: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea continue to deepen their ties. Russia and China are flexing thei...
By Ryan Claffey, Charles Horn & Anna Pederson
-
Trump's Tariff Threat vs. Modi's 'No Compromise' On Farmers
Video
Tensions escalate in the U.S.-India relationship over President Trump's threat of additional tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firm...
By Lisa Curtis
-
How Big Will China’s Nuclear Arsenal Get?
Commentary
China’s nuclear expansion is already feeding an arms race—a contest that is accelerating partly because the finish line remains unknown....
By Jacob Stokes
