Rajnath Singh arrives in Seoul as India and South Korea set to solidify defence ties, strategic partnership
Seoul, May 19
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Seoul Tuesday afternoon on a three-day visit as India and South Korea look at deepening strategic military cooperation and further expand the scope of bilateral engagement.
"Landed in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on an official visit aimed at further strengthening India-ROK defence cooperation and strategic partnership. The visit will provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest," Singh posted on X after his arrival.
Singh arrived in Seoul after concluding his two-day visit to Hanoi during which India and Vietnam further strengthened their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During his visit to South Korea, the Defence Minister will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of National Defence, Ahn Gyu-back. The two ministers will review defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.
Singh is also scheduled to meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Lee, Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable.
"India's contribution in the Korean War is one the most profound chapters in history, defined by unwavering commitment to global peace and stability. India's decision to extend the support was meant to add a healing touch to the war by deploying 60 Parachute Field Ambulance of the Indian Army. Serving for more than three years, the unit treated over two lakh patients and performed about 2,500 surgeries, in addition to treating a number of civilians," the Ministry of Defence stated before Singh's departure.
"The second major contribution of India was the Chairmanship of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, an Indian proposal to the UN, which was accepted with majority. Accordingly, the Custodian Force of India, a 5,230 strong Indian Army contingent undertook the peaceful repatriation of almost 2,000 prisoners of war in the post-war phase," it added.
To honour the fallen soldiers, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon Oh-eul has been planned on May 21.
"The Natural Alignment of India's 'Act East Policy' and Republic of Korea's 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' as well as shared values in the Indo-Pacific Region, have opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries," the Defence Ministry stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The 'Act East Policy' aligning with Korea's 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' is a smart move. But I hope we're not just signing MoUs - need concrete outcomes like joint military exercises and technology transfers. South Korea has excellent shipbuilding and radar systems we could learn from.
Interesting to see India's historical role in the Korean War highlighted. The Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission was a diplomatic masterstroke by India. Today's visit builds on that legacy. Hope the business roundtable leads to more Korean investment in Indian defence manufacturing.
Rajnath ji has been very active on the diplomatic front - Vietnam, now Korea. But I wish the government would also focus on domestic defence manufacturing instead of just partnerships. Make in India needs more push. Still, any step towards securing the Indo-Pacific is welcome. 👏
The Korean War connection is indeed profound - 5,230 Indian troops for prisoner repatriation shows our commitment to peace. This visit is timely given the geopolitical tensions in the region. Both India and South Korea have much to gain from deeper strategic partnership.
Good to see emphasis on the Indo-Pacific alignment. But I wish there was more clarity on what specific defence equipment or technology we are looking at. South Korea makes excellent K9 howitzers - are we purchasing? Joint development? The business roundtable outcome will be crucial.
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