India, Korea highlight strategic partnership at Republic Day ceremony

Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das speaks during the Republic Day of India reception in Seoul, Jan. 26. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

India and Korea highlighted growing economic, defense and cultural ties on Monday as diplomats and guests gathered in Seoul to mark the 77th Republic Day of India.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian Embassy, Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das said India’s commitment to democracy, enshrined in its constitution adopted more than seven decades ago, continues to guide the country’s political and economic trajectory.

“Every passing year renews our faith in the system our forefathers adopted and in the future that we are committed to create for our people,” Das said.

Despite global disruption and uncertainty, India maintained its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past year, he said, citing structural reforms, simplified tax and labor systems, expanded infrastructure investment and advances in digital and artificial intelligence technologies. He also pointed to achievements in semiconductors and space exploration as evidence of India’s growing scientific capabilities.

Das said 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of India and Korea’s special strategic partnership, with high-level political exchanges rebounding following Korea’s elections. The two countries held two summit meetings last year, along with frequent interactions between their foreign ministers, he said.

Bilateral cooperation also expanded in defense and security, including the first-ever joint naval exercises between India and Korea, as well as deeper defense industrial collaboration through procurement and technology partnerships.

Economic ties continued to strengthen, Das said, noting increased Korean investment in India, participation in key industry events in sectors such as semiconductors and shipbuilding, and growing startup and cultural exchanges.

Korea’s Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo also gave an address at the reception, congratulating the Indian government and people on the anniversary of the adoption of India’s constitution.

Lim, who recently returned to Seoul after serving three years in India, said he had witnessed firsthand the country’s rise as a major global power.

“Because of that experience, it is a great honor for me to deliver remarks at this Republic Day reception,” he said.

Lim highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries, citing shared cultural heritage such as Buddhism and India’s contributions during the Korean War. He noted that bilateral relations have advanced steadily since diplomatic ties were established in 1973.

Lim said cooperation between Korea and India has become increasingly important at this time of profound global transition. He pointed to frequent high-level engagement, including meetings between the two countries’ leaders and close communication between their foreign ministers, adding that further exchanges are expected this year.

Lim identified economic cooperation as a key pillar of the partnership, saying Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities align naturally with India’s rapidly expanding market. He said opportunities exist to deepen cooperation in sectors such as shipbuilding, finance and critical technologies.

On defense, Lim spoke of ongoing collaborations, including joint production projects and last year’s inaugural bilateral naval exercise, calling them evidence of growing trust and strategic alignment.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges are also strengthening ties, Lim said, noting the rising popularity of Korean culture in India and increasing interest in Indian culture among Koreans.

With the two countries entering the next phase of their special strategic partnership, Lim said he was confident India and Korea were well positioned to further expand cooperation across multiple fields.