Context: This editorial is based on the news “Reigniting the flame of India-Korea defence cooperation” which was published in the Hindu. In November 2023, General Manoj Pande was on a visit to the Republic of Korea, marking a crucial moment in the course of India-Korea defence cooperation.

Challenges in India-Korea Defence Cooperation

• Absence of a Shared Vision: For a new comprehensive defense framework.
• Regional Perception: The challenge is the resistance of Korea to reassess India’s role in the region. 
• Strategic Consideration: The prevailing overemphasis by India on weapons acquisition and technology transfer from Korea has overshadowed the strategic considerations. 
  • Also, the Korean defense establishment on profit-driven weapons sales to India, devoid of strategic considerations.
• Coalition: The emerging coalition of North Korea, China, and Russia poses a new serious challenge to collaborative efforts between the two nations. 

What Steps Should Be Taken to Enhance the Defence Cooperation Between India and Korea?

• Reassessment of Role: Korea needs to reassess India’s regional role beyond largest defense product consumption, fostering a deeper, more meaningful partnership with India.
• Collaboration on Advanced Defense Systems & Equipment: It can also lead to a mutually beneficial defense technology and industry partnership, significant for both countries in areas of innovation and self-reliance.
  • Powerful arms lobbies in India and Korea pose a potential roadblock, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize long-term strategic goals over short-term gains.
• Partnership for Security: There is a huge opportunity for collaboration against space warfare, information warfare, and cybersecurity to ensure the security of critical infrastructure and information.
• To Counter Terrorism: There is potential for collaboration in maritime security, including joint patrolling and information sharing, also both countries have maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.
• In Peacekeeping: Sharing insights and resources in peacekeeping operations can enhance regional and global stability, underscoring their joint commitment to peace and security. 
• Exercises for Welfare: Mutual growth is found in enhancing joint army exercises, fostering interoperability, and strengthening the capabilities of both armies for effective collaboration in diverse scenarios. 
  • Also the joint exercises and the exchange of best practices in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstrate the shared responsibility of both nations in addressing vulnerabilities to natural disasters.

Conclusion:

The time has come for India and South Korea to counter the challenges and go ahead with opportunities, which requires a strategic and balanced approach, coupled with adaptability to the evolving geopolitical landscape. India and Korea need to transcend the confines of bilateral cooperation, and embrace a paradigm shift that cultivates a more profound understanding of their roles in the swiftly evolving global scenario.