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PM Narendra Modi’s foreign trips are an excellent example of skilful global diplomacy. These foreign trips have boosted India’s image on the world stage and enhanced its stature. Moreover, plenty of foreign investment has been brought to the country, thanks to these trips by the PM. In 2019, there was a requirement for PM Modi to visit South Korea. Let’s learn more about PM Modi’s visit to South Korea.
A Background on India-South Korea Relations
The modern Indian-South Korea relations can be traced to the post Second World War era. The Chairman of the 9-member UN Commission in 1947 was Mr K P S Menon of India. This Commission conducted the elections in Korea.
In 1962, Bilateral consular relations were established between India and South Korea. Afterwards, the connections were enhanced in 1973 to the Ambassador level.
As time passed, South Korea adopted the policy of open market. India, too, underwent economic liberalization in 1991. Both countries found common ground, and their relations grew further. Moreover, policies like the ‘Look East Policy’ and “Act East Policy” were adopted by the Indian Government. These policies significantly improved cooperation between the two Asian countries.
The relations between India and South Korea solidified further with a state visit of PM Modi in 2015. There was the upgrading of relations between both the countries to the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’.
The latest 2019 PM Modi visit to South Korea took India-South Korea ties to another level.
Details of PM Modi’s Visit to South Korea
In 2019, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Seoul intending to enhance ties between the two nations further. It was a two-day visit of the Prime Minister to the Republic of Korea. The goals of this trip were:
- Strengthening the strategic ties between India and South Korea
- Enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and South Korea in diverse areas, including trade and investment
PM Modi’s visit to South Korea was highly anticipated. Headlines like “PM Modi’s visit to South Korea” became common in Indian newspapers.
PM Modi arrived in Seoul in the morning for a two-day visit. A large gathering of Indians was present to welcome him at the hotel lobby.
Before the visit, the Prime Minister referred to the East Asian nation as an essential partner for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Moreover, he described both countries as sharing common values.
Moon Jae-in, the South Korean President, had initially invited PM Modi. A range of crucial discussions between these two world leaders took place during this trip.
Significance of PM Modi’s Visit to South Korea
There were several bilateral and business engagements between India and South Korea during the visit. South Korea honoured India in the following two ways:
- By unveiling a statue of Mahatma Gandhi
- By honouring PM Modi with the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize
PM Modi was given this honour in light of his subsequent efforts:
- Contribution to international cooperation
- Promoting global peace
- Fostering global economic growth
- Improving the quality of life
Besides the political discussions, the PM also addressed the Indian community in South Korea.
The talks between PM Modi and President Moon Jae-in were termed as ‘constructive’. Below are the key points of these talks:
- A bilateral trade target of $50 billion between India and South Korea by 2030, considerably raising it from $21 billion
- An exchange of views between the two leaders on global and regional situations
- A call for unity for completely eradicating terrorist networks
After the talks, PM Modi returned to Delhi, where he was welcomed by a large crowd that had gathered to congratulate him on the Seoul Peace Prize.
Conclusion
PM Narendra Modi’s foreign trips represent his skilful global diplomacy. These foreign trips have boosted India’s image and stature internationally. The modern relations between India and South Korea began to build up in the post-second world war era. Now, the latest 2019 PM Modi visit to South Korea will likely become another milestone in the relations between both countries. This trip would strengthen the strategic ties between India and South Korea. Moreover, the bilateral cooperation between both countries would be enhanced.
