Context: The recent visit of  Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande  to the Republic of Korea, marked a crucial moment in the course of India-South Korea defence relations.

50 Years of India-South Korea Relations

• In 2023, India and South Korea celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
• The visit is historically significant as it commemorates the Indian Army’s crucial role 73 years ago in the Korean War, where they provided medical aid and contributed a brigade called ‘Custodian Force’ under the United Nations

About India-South Korea Defence Relations

• Cooperation in Defense & Logistics: In 2005, India and South Korea signed an agreement to cooperate in defense and logistics.
• Cooperation between Coast Guards: In 2022, the Korea Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard conducted joint exercises, further improving interoperability. 
• Biggest Overseas Outreach Initiative of Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO): In 2013, an 18-member team led by the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister & Chief of DRDO participated in the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, which was DRDO’s biggest ever overseas outreach initiative.
• On National Security: In 2014, an agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information.
• India-Korea Friendship Park: In 2021, the India-Korea Friendship Park was inaugrated at the Delhi Cantonment to commemorate the contribution of the Indian peacekeeping force during the Korean war of 1950-53.
• On Defence Industries Cooperation: In 2019, India and South Korea signed a Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation.
• 2+2 dialogue at Defence Secretariat Level: They have established annual Defence Ministerial Dialogues since 2015, elevating them to a 2+2 dialogue in 2019 at Defence Secretariat Level. 
• Weapons Procured:
  • K-9 Vajra Guns: India had procured 100 K-9 Vajra guns from South Korea under Make in India project in the year 2018. 
  • Navy’s P75 (I) Project: South Korea has shown interest in Indian Navy’s P75 (I) project under which 06 stealth submarines to be built indigenously again under Make in India. 

Continue Reading: India-Korea Defence Cooperation

News Source: The Hindu