South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, during his visit to India from August 15 to 17, 2025, has lauded the significant changes India has undergone under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past decade. He expressed his appreciation for the positive developments across various sectors in India.

Cho Hyun, who previously served as South Korea's ambassador to India from 2015 to 2017, recalled witnessing these transformations first-hand during his tenure. He highlighted that even more positive developments have occurred in the last 10 years. He conveyed a deep respect for India's rich cultural heritage and the progress made across various sectors.

During a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar in New Delhi, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on multiple fronts, including trade, manufacturing, maritime security, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and defence. They also addressed shared geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. The discussions underscored the 10th anniversary of the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership, reflecting a robust and future-oriented relationship.

Jaishankar warmly welcomed Cho Hyun, noting the special significance of the visit occurring right after both countries' national days and commending the strong bonding between the two nations' leaders. Cho Hyun also expressed solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising South Korea's firm stance against terrorism and commitment to supporting India's fight against such threats.

The visit and conversations highlighted enduring cooperation and the continued push for deeper strategic partnership between India and South Korea, recognising the progress India has made in recent years under PM Modi, which has been observed and appreciated internationally, including by the Indian diaspora in South Korea. These changes span infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate action, economic growth, and technological advancements, all contributing to India's rising stature on the global stage. The positive diplomatic exchanges and mutual support demonstrate the deepening ties and shared aspirations of both nations in a complex global environment.

India and South Korea are set to bolster their strategic partnership, focusing on high-tech sectors like AI, semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding, and defence. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, discussed ways to enhance cooperation across political, security, trade, and technological domains. India and South Korea resolved to expand their strategic partnership by setting new "industrial ambition" in the areas of semiconductor, defence, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

Ways to ramp up the overall bilateral cooperation figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his visiting South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun. The ministers took stock of bilateral cooperation, including in the political, security, trade and economy, technological, and people-to-people domains.

The India-South Korea ties have been on an upswing in the last few years, especially in the areas of trade and defence. Jaishankar and Hyun reaffirmed the strong and growing "special strategic partnership" between the two countries. The partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual trust, shared economic interests, and commitment to regional and global peace and stability. The ministers also shared their assessment on regional and global issues of common interest.

Both countries also plan to boost exchanges and cooperation. Jaishankar said he and Hyun also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global developments. He appreciated the deepening convergences and growing engagement as their Special Strategic Partnership completes 10 years.

The economic relationship between South Korea and India stands at a critical juncture, characterized by both remarkable progress and persistent challenges that demand innovative solutions. The economic partnership between Seoul and New Delhi could serve as a linchpin for supply chain resilience in Asia, especially amid global disruptions. The success of this economic axis will hinge on the ability of both nations to bridge their asymmetries—through a revitalized CEPA, targeted investments, and a shared commitment to innovation—setting the stage for a partnership that transcends its current limitations and fulfils its long-promised potential.