India and South Korea Strengthen Strategic Alliances
NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, India and South Korea solidified their partnership by signing a series of agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in key sectors such as defence, cybersecurity, training, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.
This development occurred during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back, in Seoul.
The discussions also encompassed measures to bolster cooperation in defence production, maritime security, emerging technologies, military exchanges, logistics, and regional stability, according to statements from the defence ministry.
Both leaders recognized the increasing alignment between India’s Act East Policy and South Korea’s strategic vision for the region, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening defence ties while adhering to the principles of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The Indo-Pacific region faces numerous challenges, including China’s calculated maneuvers for influence and the preservation of a rules-based international order.
India has continuously advocated for the peaceful resolution of disputes across the vast maritime domain, emphasizing dialogue within the context of international law.
The recently signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signal an expanding partnership, reflecting a deepening scope of bilateral cooperation, as stated by the defence ministry.
Among these is a training agreement facilitating collaboration between India’s National Defence College and the Korea National Defense University.
During his two-day visit to Seoul, which commenced on Tuesday, Singh also engaged in discussions with Lee Yong-cheol, head of the Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA).
“The two leaders concurred on leveraging their collaborative efforts to open new avenues for joint development, production, and export of military hardware,” added the defence ministry.
A roadmap exploring the potential of the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem was also a topic of discussion.
Subsequently, Singh led the India-South Korea defence industry business roundtable, bringing together senior government officials and prominent representatives from both countries’ defence sectors.
This interaction served as a vital platform for identifying new opportunities in defence manufacturing, co-development, co-production of military hardware, and fostering supply chain partnerships.
Singh encouraged South Korean defence firms to deepen their engagement with Indian industries, emphasizing the importance of fostering long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations.
The successful industrial cooperation between India and South Korea in the commercial realm highlights the significant potential for enduring partnerships.
“It is imperative that we now extend this successful model into the defence sector, where technological innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic trust become increasingly interconnected,” he remarked.
The amalgamation of Korea’s technological prowess with India’s vast scale, talent, manufacturing ecosystem, and innovative capabilities establishes a robust foundation for future collaboration.
Together, the two nations are positioned to jointly develop and produce advanced technologies and defence systems in an evolving global landscape.
Moreover, Singh asserted that defence manufacturing transcends traditional platforms and equipment, as modern defence ecosystems are now underpinned by advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity technologies, sensors, semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and capabilities derived from space.
He emphasized that the future of defence is increasingly reliant upon the ability to innovate swiftly and to integrate technologies across diverse domains.
Singh referred to Operation Sindoor as an embodiment of India’s evolution into a formidable, self-assured nation, elucidating that it serves as a stark warning against tolerance for terrorism in any form.
“As a responsible nuclear power, we adhere firmly to a ‘No First Use’ policy. Yet, moments arise when our restraint and commitment to peace are misconstrued as weakness. While we remain committed to ‘No First Use’, we will not accept any form of nuclear intimidation. This is New India,” he concluded.
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
