India Seeks Maritime Security Partnership with S Korea: Jaishankar in Seoul

During his speech at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar proposed the establishment of a maritime security partnership between India and South Korea. He also urged Seoul to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to enhance bilateral relations in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar held meetings with the South Korean National Security Advisor and Minister of Trade on the first day of his two-day visit.

"If I were to give some examples for RoK (Republic of Korea) as an important trading country, maritime security is a very very vital concern. We in India host a Fusion Centre which is built as a result of a number of White Shipping agreements with different partners where you actually have a common operative picture across the entire Indian Ocean. Similarly, RoK's participation in Initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans initiative which looks at a range of oceanic issues from ecology and environment to transport and science technology would I think be a very valuable addition", Jaishankar said.

He also recommended that South Korea consider actively participating in the International Solar Alliance to increase its global presence in the field of solar energy. "I give these examples as a way of illustrating that one way of also deepening our relationship is for us to be present in similar organizations or shared organizations with common goals. And that too would reinforce a what hopefully would be a deeper bilateral relationship".

He also called for more political discussions and more strategic conversations. "We need stronger business connections and technology interactions. The long pending review of our CEPA must be expedited so that it can be upgraded. We will have to identify more intersections and meeting points that work for both of us. We will also have to be more collaborative, recognizing the strengths that we each bring to the table…I am confident that by broadening our horizons, the India-RoK partnership can emerge as a significant factor in the Indo-Pacific", he added. Highlighting the significance of being two prominent G20 members, Jaishankar emphasized that India and RoK have a growing obligation to play an active role in shaping the global order.