Strengthening Ties: Jaishankar, Cho Hyun Discuss Trade, Defence, and Clean Energy

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in New Delhi on Saturday, reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to enhancing cooperation across key sectors such as trade, defence, and clean energy.

The meeting took place as India and South Korea mark the 10th anniversary of their Special Strategic Partnership, which was elevated in 2015 to reflect growing convergence in regional and global affairs. Both ministers acknowledged the milestone and expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral ties over the past decade.

High-level discussions focused on boosting economic engagement, including expanding bilateral trade, facilitating investment flows, and enhancing supply chain resilience. The leaders also explored greater cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, aligning with both countries’ shared focus on innovation and high-tech manufacturing.

Defence and security were prominent in the talks, with both sides agreeing to deepen collaboration in defence production, joint training, and maritime security. There was also emphasis on enhancing military exchanges and working together for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

On clean energy, the ministers discussed joint initiatives in green hydrogen, solar power, and energy storage, reaffirming their shared commitment to climate goals and sustainable development.

Dr. Jaishankar described the discussions as “productive and forward-looking,” noting that the India–South Korea partnership is “based on shared democratic values, economic synergy, and mutual strategic interests.”

As the two countries celebrate a decade of their elevated partnership, both sides reiterated their intention to further intensify cooperation in the coming years—particularly in emerging technologies, resilient infrastructure, and regional stability.