India looking forward to expand bilateral ties with S Korea in various sectors: Jaishankar

Seoul: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India is keen on expanding strategic partnership with South Korea in crucial areas like new technologies, green hydrogen, semiconductors in order to keep contemporary bilateral ties.

In his opening remarks at 10th Joint Commission meeting in Seoul, Jaishankar stated that the bilateral relations of India and South Korea were elevated to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the nation in 2015.

EAM Jaishankar said that it's crucial to uphold this commitment as there has been significant progress.

The meeting was co-chaired by Jaishankar’s South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul. 

Prior to visiting Seoul, Jaishankar in a statement told that the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) is anticipated to thoroughly assess all aspects of bilateral cooperation and seek ways to enhance it further. Additionally, it will enable both sides to discuss regional and global matters of mutual concern. 

"We have become truly important partners for each other and our bilateral exchanges, trade, investments, defence and science and technology cooperation have all seen a steady growth while keeping up the momentum in the traditional areas of cooperation," he said.

Jaishankar further said the conversations were done on extended bilateral ties including advancing trilateral ties.

Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, “Conversations covered our expanded bilateral ties, cooperation in the field of defence, science & technology, business & trade, people to people exchange and cultural cooperation. Also spoke of advancing trilateral cooperation”. 

“Exchanged views on the developments in the Indo-Pacific, our convergences to challenges in the region and regional & global issues of mutual interest,” he added.

"Our leaders met twice last year in Hiroshima and New Delhi. I think their discussions have provided us the guidance to go forward," Jaishankar said.

He also congratulated Cho for his appointment as foreign minister in December. "So let me offer my best wishes for your successful tenure," he said.

Jaishankar is currently in Seoul on his four-day visit to South Korea and Japan.