Seoul, May 19: Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in South Korea for a three-day official visit from May 19 to 21. The primary aim of this trip is to enhance defense cooperation, strategic partnerships, and coordination in the Indo-Pacific region between India and the Republic of Korea.
Upon his arrival in Seoul, Singh stated that this visit presents a significant opportunity to redefine bilateral relations and expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest. During his stay, he will engage in extensive bilateral talks with South Korean Defense Minister An Kyung-duk. The discussions will review the current status of defense partnerships and explore new initiatives on military cooperation, defense industry, maritime security, technology partnerships, and regional stability. Additionally, there will be an exchange of views on shared regional and global issues.
Singh is also scheduled to meet with Lee Yong-cheol, the Minister of Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). This meeting is expected to focus on expanding defense production and industrial collaboration. Furthermore, Singh will chair the India-Korea Business Roundtable, which will include representatives from the industry sectors of both nations.
India’s role during the Korean War is regarded as a historic chapter in the relations between the two countries. During the conflict, India deployed a 60 Parachute Field Ambulance Unit for peace and humanitarian assistance, treating over 200,000 patients and performing approximately 2,500 surgeries over three years. The unit also provided medical care to a significant number of civilians. After the war, India chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, under a UN-sanctioned proposal, ensuring the peaceful repatriation of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war, symbolizing India’s commitment to global peace and stability.
In memory of this historical contribution, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial in South Korea is scheduled for May 21, with Singh and South Korean Minister Kwon Oh-yul in attendance. The growing synergy between India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and South Korea’s ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy’ is elevating the relationship between the two nations. Their shared commitment to democratic values, peace, stability, and free maritime routes has further strengthened the India-South Korea strategic partnership.
Earlier, Singh was on a visit to Vietnam from May 18 to 19. He expressed hope that these trips to both Asian nations will deepen bilateral relations, with a focus on enhancing strategic military cooperation, partnerships in the defense industry, and maritime collaboration to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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