Reigniting the flame of India-Korea defence cooperation

Context: The recent diplomatic overture during the visit Chief of the Army Staff of India, in November 2023, to the Republic of Korea, signifies a critical juncture in the trajectory of India-Korea defence relations. While this visit fortified diplomatic ties, it also unveiled the challenges, necessitating meticulous consideration.
Background:
India and the Republic of Korea have witnessed substantial progress in their bilateral relations, marked by a multifaceted approach driven by shared interests, mutual goodwill, and frequent high-level exchanges.

•    In the political arena, the bilateral relationship attained the status of a 'special strategic partnership' in May 2015, reflecting the depth of their engagement. India plays a pivotal role in South Korea's Southern Policy, emphasizing an expanded relationship beyond immediate regions. Simultaneously, South Korea is a key participant in India's Act East Policy, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.
•    On the economic front, the two nations set an ambitious bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2030. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2010 has been instrumental in fostering trade relations. To facilitate Korean investment in India, the "Korea Plus" facilitation cell was launched under 'Invest India,' providing guidance and support to investors.
•    In the cultural realm, historical ties are evident in the visit of Korean Buddhist Monk Hyecho in 723-729 AD, who documented his experiences in the travelogue "Pilgrimage to the five kingdoms of India." This work provides a rich account of Indian culture, politics, and society. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed the poem 'Lamp of the East' in 1929, expressing admiration for Korea's illustrious past and anticipating a promising future.
These various dimensions of cooperation reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of India-South Korea bilateral relations, emphasizing a commitment to shared growth and mutual prosperity.

Challenges persisting between both countries:
1. Challenges in Korean Recognition of India's Role:
   - The Korean government needs to reassess its perception of India beyond being a major consumer of defense products.
2. Addressing Arms Lobbies and Prioritizing Long-Term Goals:
   - Powerful arms lobbies in both India and Korea pose potential roadblocks.
3. Challenges from Emerging Coalition:
   - The coalition of North Korea, China, and Russia presents a new challenge to collaborative efforts between India and Korea.

Solution:
1. Overcoming historical perceptions, where India was viewed in opposition to the Soviet bloc, is essential to foster a deeper partnership.
2. While weapons acquisition and technology transfer are vital, the Indian government should avoid overemphasizing these aspects, giving due attention to broader strategic considerations in the partnership.
3. Collaborating in developing advanced defence systems and equipment, leveraging their technological capabilities.Shared understanding of technology's pivotal role in future conflicts opens limitless opportunities for cooperation in the defence sector.
4. In an era emphasizing defense against space warfare, information warfare, and cybersecurity, India and South Korea can explore collaboration in these critical areas.Korea's advanced high-tech digital capabilities offer opportunities to develop robust security measures for countering emerging threats in the digital domain.
5. Strengthening coordinated efforts to counter terrorism aligns with the shared concerns of both India and South Korea.
6. Collaboration can enhance security measures to protect critical infrastructure and information, acknowledging the importance of safeguarding against evolving threats in the digital landscape.
7. India and South Korea aim to leverage their UN peacekeeping expertise for joint efforts, enhancing regional and global stability.
8. Joint exercises and exchange of best practices in HADR demonstrate the shared responsibility of both nations in addressing vulnerabilities to natural disasters.
9. Mutual growth is sought through enhancing joint army exercises, fostering interoperability, and strengthening the capabilities of both armies for effective collaboration in diverse scenarios.

The goal is to create a partnership that fosters peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. When united, both nations are prepared to navigate complexities and uncertainties, forging a path toward a stronger and more resilient partnership for the future.