NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at Hyderabad House in the national capital, marking a key moment in strengthening India–South Korea relations.
Both leaders were also seen planting a sapling during the engagement, symbolising growing environmental cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi and laid a wreath at the memorial.
The visiting President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt at the start of the second day of his three-day state visit. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a traditional cultural welcome by children waving the flags of India and South Korea.
President Lee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, received by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as an important milestone in advancing the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
In remarks ahead of the summit, President Lee highlighted concerns over global energy security and rising oil prices due to instability in key maritime routes, stressing the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted trade corridors. He also called for stronger cooperation in energy, critical minerals, AI, defence, and shipbuilding sectors.
The South Korean President said both countries depend heavily on energy imports from the Middle East and emphasized the importance of securing maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
He also expressed hope for expanded collaboration between India and South Korea in critical mineral supply chains by combining Korean technology with India’s mining and refining capabilities.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met President Lee, welcoming his commitment to deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors and expressing optimism ahead of his talks with PM Modi.
Following the summit, PM Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting leader, while President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The discussions between PM Modi and President Lee are expected to focus on trade, investment, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, shipbuilding, and cultural exchanges, along with regional and global issues of mutual interest. (Agency)
