India–South Korea Forum Boosts Bilateral Ties

On 4th April 2025, South Korea and India held a joint forum in Seoul to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

Key Points

Strategic Partnership: India and South Korea upgraded ties to a “special strategic partnership” in 2015, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, defence, and technology.
Growth Strategy Forum: Co-hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Indian Embassy in Seoul, the forum focused on aligning both economies amid global trade challenges.
Trade Concerns: The meeting came a day after the U.S. announced reciprocal tariffs—25% on South Korea and 27% on India—raising fears of a global trade war.
Defence Deal: South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace signed a $253.6 million deal to supply K9 self-propelled howitzers to the Indian Army by 2030, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro.
Military Modernization: The new deal follows a similar 2017 agreement and reflects India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military with reliable, combat-proven technology.