Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House on Monday, marking a key moment in the visiting leader’s state trip.
Earlier, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the same venue, where they were also seen planting a tree, a gesture symbolising the growing partnership between India and South Korea.
Ahead of the talks, Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where they laid a wreath at his memorial.
The South Korean President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. The reception featured children in traditional attire waving the national flags of both countries.
Lee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day visit and was received at the airport by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit marks an “important milestone” in advancing the India-South Korea “Special Strategic Partnership.”
In a pre-visit interview with The Times of India, Lee highlighted concerns over global energy security, pointing to disruptions caused by the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran, which have impacted oil prices and supply chains.
“Both the Republic of Korea and India depend on the Middle East for a significant share of their energy supplies… ensuring the security of critical maritime routes is essential,” Lee said.
He added that South Korea will work closely with India to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen cooperation in international forums.
Lee also pitched deeper collaboration in critical minerals, suggesting a partnership combining South Korea’s advanced technology with India’s mining and refining strengths to build resilient supply chains. He further emphasised cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence, and shipbuilding.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met President Lee on Sunday, saying he was “honoured” and appreciated the South Korean leader’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties.
The agenda for the talks includes trade, investments, semiconductors, AI, shipbuilding, and cultural exchanges, along with discussions on regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Modi is set to host a lunch for the visiting leader, while President Murmu will later host a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honour.
