New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung conducted extensive delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, April 20, 2026. The high-profile meeting, a centerpiece of the President’s three-day State Visit, was preceded by a symbolic tree-planting ceremony intended to represent the flourishing growth of bilateral relations. The day began with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by the South Korean leader and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
The summit took place against the backdrop of significant global economic volatility. In an interview prior to the talks, President Lee highlighted that the effective closure of critical shipping routes due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict has severely impacted energy security for both nations. He emphasized that maintaining safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for the “very survival” of both India and South Korea, as both countries rely heavily on Middle Eastern crude oil and natural gas. Consequently, the leaders discussed coordinated efforts in international forums to ensure maritime stability and diversify energy supply chains.
The bilateral agenda covered a wide spectrum of the “Special Strategic Partnership,” with a particular focus on high-tech collaboration and economic resilience. Key areas of discussion included:
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Technology and Industry: Strengthening cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies to reduce global supply chain vulnerabilities.
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Resources and Energy: Proposing a synergy between South Korean technology and India’s mining and refining sectors to secure critical mineral supply chains.
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Defence and Infrastructure: Advancing joint initiatives in shipbuilding and defence production to enhance regional security.
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Trade and Investment: Reviewing trade frameworks and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further expand the economic footprint of both nations.
Following the talks, Prime Minister Modi hosted a formal lunch for the visiting dignitary. The second day of the visit is scheduled to conclude with a State Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This visit underscores a shared commitment to elevating Indo-Korean ties into new domains of mutual interest, building upon the foundational meetings held between the two leaders in 2025.
