In remarks to Korean expats upon arriving in New Delhi, President Lee Jae-myung pledged to elevate Korea-India relations to an 'entirely new level' via Monday's summit with PM Narendra Modi, amid Middle East-driven supply chain risks.
Following his Sunday arrival in New Delhi for a three-day state visit—detailed in prior coverage—President Lee Jae-myung addressed the Korean community, noting, "The level of cooperation between Korea and India is quite low compared to India’s vast potential." He hailed Monday's summit as a potential "turning point," elevating ties to new heights.
Lee called Korean expatriates (about 12,000 in India) "invaluable assets" and "civilian diplomats," leveraging their networks. With India's 1.4 billion population, 6%+ growth, and rising global supply chain role, yet only 600-700 Korean firms present, he stressed untapped potential.
Citing supply chain disruptions from the US-Iran Middle East war, Lee positioned both import-reliant nations as "crucial strategic partners." The summit, their third in-person after G7/G20 last year, will address shipbuilding, maritime industries, finance, AI, defense, and energy security, per National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
Ties date to 1973, upgraded to a 'special strategic partnership' in 2015. Post-summit: business roundtable and state luncheon with President Droupadi Murmu.
