Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met with a delegation of special envoys from South Korea led by Kim Boo Kyum in New Delhi.

Sharing his thoughts on the meeting, Modi said close collaboration between the democracies contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Delighted to receive the delegation of Special Envoys from the Republic of Korea led by Mr. Kim Boo Kyum. Recalled my positive meeting with President @Jaemyung_Lee last month," Modi posted on X.

"India–ROK Special Strategic Partnership, which completes 10 years, continues to grow from innovation and defence to shipbuilding and skilled mobility," he said.

India-Republic of Korea (ROK) established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1973.

Consular relations were established in 1962. Both countries formed a “Strategic Partnership” in year 2010, which was elevated to “Special Strategic Partnership” in year 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul, read the Indian Embassy to South Korea website.

Both countries commemorated 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2023.

India and ROK defence relations have strengthened in recent years.

The Defence Ministers of ROK and India have been interacting regularly since 2015. 

Secretary-level Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) for cooperation in defence industries & logistics between Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) and India’s Ministry of Defence is held regularly.

Service level talks across the three arms of the military are held biennially. Navy and Coast Guard ships have been visiting each other’s ports on a regular basis and have also been holding joint exercises. ICG Ship SUJAY visited ROK in September 2024. 

A Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation was signed between the two countries in September 2020.