Lee to make state visits to India, Vietnam next week
President Lee Jae Myung, right, holds hands with Indian Prime Minister Modi at the 51st G7 summit in Kananaskis Alberta, Canada, June 17, 2025 (local time). Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok
President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-nation trip to India and Vietnam next week for summit talks to discuss ways to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation in strategic areas, Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.
Lee will depart on Sunday for a three-day state visit to India and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac told reporters.
He is scheduled to head to Vietnam on Tuesday for a state visit and hold talks with To Lam, Vietnam's president and general secretary of the Communist Party, on Wednesday, Wi said. He is set to return home on Friday.
In India, Lee plans to also attend a business forum involving major business leaders from both countries and a state dinner hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the ceremonial head of state.
"In light of Lee's visit, (the two nations) will open a new chapter in economic cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding and maritime industries, finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense," Wi said. "The two countries will maintain close coordination on energy supply chains amid rapidly shifting global dynamics stemming from the war in the Middle East."
The trip will mark the third in-person talks between Lee and Modi, following their meetings on the sidelines of the Group of Seven and Group of 20 summits last year.
President Lee Jae Myung, right, shakes hands with Vietnamese leader To Lam at Sangchunjae guesthouse of Cheong Wa Dae, Aug. 12, 2025, during Lam's visit to Korea. Yonhap
In Vietnam, Lee will hold a summit with To Lam in Hanoi on Wednesday and sign memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the two nations.
The visit will make Lee the first foreign leader to visit since To Lam was elected state president earlier this month, consolidating his authority by holding the country's two most powerful positions.
The following day, he is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, No. 2 in the government, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, No. 3, and attend a business forum.
"Through this visit, Lee aims to strengthen mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation with Vietnam in key sectors, including nuclear energy," Wi said. "Amid growing global uncertainties, (the leaders) will seek to stabilize energy supply chains and enhance cooperation in critical minerals."