On August 11, 2025, the Korea Centre, in collaboration with the Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR), Mahatma Gandhi University, and UniKorea Foundation, organized a roundtable discussion examining South Korea’s evolving foreign policy landscape under President Lee Jae Myung and its strategic implications for India-Korea bilateral relations. This event was conducted as part of the Project “Korean Unification Awareness and Korean Studies Promotion in India,” supported by the UniKorea Foundation. Dr. Jojin V John, Director of the Korea Centre, attended the panel discussion and delivered initial remarks, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the transformative shifts in Korea’s diplomatic posture and regional engagement.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. C Raja Mohan, Korea Chair at CSDR, and featured insights from three distinguished panelists:
- Dr. Sang-Yoon Ma – Professor, Catholic University of Korea
- Dr. Wongi Choe – Professor, Department of Indo-Pacific Studies & Head of the Center for ASEAN–Indian Studies, Korea National Diplomatic Academy
- Mr. Sang Woo Lim – Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of India
The roundtable underscored a remarkable upswing in bilateral relations, characterized by increased high-level visits, diplomatic exchanges, and the appointment of ambassadors with deep India expertise. This momentum represents what participants described as a “fantastic start” toward deeper strategic engagement.
Discussions emphasized the imperative of transitioning toward a “Korea–India Partnership 2.0”—one that transcends conventional trade frameworks to encompass:
- Research and development collaboration
- Advanced technology partnerships
- Shipbuilding and defense cooperation
- Green industries and sustainable development
- Artificial intelligence and digital innovation
- Enhanced mobility of talent and professionals
Korea’s demographic challenges were identified as creating unique opportunities for India, particularly in the recruitment and deployment of skilled professionals across various sectors.
Under the new administration, South Korea’s foreign policy is undergoing a fundamental shift from a values-based orientation to a more pragmatic, interest-driven approach. While the US alliance remains the cornerstone of Seoul’s security architecture and economic strategy, concerns persist regarding the reliability of American commitments amid evolving domestic political dynamics in the United States. The North Korea question continues to dominate Seoul’s security calculus. Progressive governments have prioritized diplomatic engagement, yet face persistent dilemmas regarding deterrence capabilities and defense autonomy.
South Korea navigates a complex web of relationships with China, Japan, and Russia. The government seeks to maintain productive ties with China while simultaneously deepening strategic partnerships with Japan and the United States, despite lingering historical tensions. The emerging Russia–North Korea nexus, particularly concerning technology transfers, is viewed as a significant destabilizing factor in regional security.
Uncertainty surrounding US policy trajectory and the possibility of American strategic retrenchment in Asia have catalysed discussions about the necessity for middle power cooperation. India, South Korea, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia were identified as key actors capable of constructing more robust collaborative frameworks.
Participants expressed concerns about the sustainability of the liberal, rules-based international order, citing risks including American isolationism, potential compromises in Ukraine, and the possibility of drift toward a China-centric regional architecture. While middle power cooperation garnered broad endorsement, panelists acknowledged substantial obstacles stemming from divergent national interests and the absence of established institutional mechanisms.
The nuclear dimension of the Korean peninsula remains a paramount concern, though partially mitigated by US extended deterrence commitments. Internal debate continues within South Korea regarding the potential pursuit of independent nuclear capabilities.
Both Indian and Korean participants stressed the importance of diversifying beyond trade dependency to focus on:
- Joint research and development initiatives
- Green technology and renewable energy
- Semiconductor industry collaboration
- Shipbuilding partnerships
- Defense industry cooperation
Expanding diplomatic frameworks, mobility agreements, talent exchanges, and practical bilateral projects were identified as essential measures to generate tangible outcomes and deepen the partnership.
Indian participants noted New Delhi’s potential role as a facilitator in inter-Korean diplomacy. However, Korean counterparts emphasized the sensitivity of such involvement given the complex dynamics involving the United States and North Korea’s own diplomatic positions.
The roundtable articulated a vision for issue-based, modular cooperation rather than large-scale alliance structures. Future Korea–India engagement is envisioned as context-specific partnerships—particularly in technology, research, and defense—designed to be flexible and responsive rather than monolithic and inflexible.
This roundtable discussion, held under the Korea Chair at CSDR, provided valuable insights into the strategic recalibration of South Korea’s foreign policy and its implications for India-Korea relations. The event reinforced the commitment of both nations to deepen collaboration across multiple domains while navigating an increasingly complex regional and global environment.
For more details: https://csdronline.com/event/south-koreas-foreign-policy-under-president-lee-jae-myung-implications-for-india-korea-relations/