Modi, South Korean President Lee Reaffirm Commitment to Expand Strategic Partnership at G7 Summit

New Delhi, June 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, reaffirming the shared commitment of India and the Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and emerging sectors.

Describing the interaction as a “very good conversation,” Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral ties between the two countries. The meeting came just two months after President Lee’s official visit to India, during which both sides had agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership across key sectors including technology, defence, and economic development.

India and South Korea have enjoyed steadily expanding relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973. Their partnership was elevated to a “Special Strategic Partnership” in 2015, reflecting the increasing significance both nations attach to their cooperation amid evolving regional and global dynamics.

South Korea remains one of India’s most important economic partners in East Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 23 billion annually. Major South Korean companies have made significant investments in India’s automobile, electronics, and steel sectors, contributing to manufacturing growth and job creation. At the same time, Indian businesses have been expanding their presence in South Korea, particularly in information technology and pharmaceuticals.

President Lee Jae-myung, who assumed office earlier this year, has emphasized strengthening relations with India as part of Seoul’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. His government views India as a key partner in promoting regional stability, economic resilience, and technological innovation.

The leaders’ meeting in Evian comes at a time when both countries are actively seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on limited manufacturing hubs. India and South Korea are also looking to expand collaboration in next-generation sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green energy, and advanced defence manufacturing.

According to officials, the discussions focused on accelerating cooperation in renewable energy, critical technologies, and infrastructure development. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional security issues and emphasized the importance of closer coordination in multilateral forums to address global challenges.

Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with President Lee underscores India’s continued efforts to strengthen ties with technologically advanced economies and foster partnerships that support its developmental priorities. South Korea has consistently emerged as an important partner in India’s industrial growth and technological advancement.

The meeting is expected to provide fresh impetus to bilateral engagement and pave the way for deeper cooperation across strategic and economic domains in the coming months. As both nations navigate an increasingly interconnected global landscape, India-South Korea relations appear poised for a new phase of growth and collaboration.