| Introduction: Give a brief context to the question Body: Highlight factors to transcend the bilateral relationship in global strategic approach in defence. Conclusion: Way forward |
The need for India and Korea to transcend bilateral cooperation and embrace a global strategic approach in defense is influenced by various geopolitical and security factors.
Some key factors that warrant both countries to transcend cooperation
- Indo-Pacific’s Changing Geopolitical Landscape: With China emerging as a key actor, the Indo-Pacific area is seeing notable changes in power relations. Maintaining a balance of power in the region is a concern shared by Korea and India, which is why they must work together more broadly.
- Economic and Trade Interests: India and Korea have expanded their economic connections with nations outside of their borders. Given the significance of the Indo-Pacific region for international trade, bolstering defense cooperation on a worldwide scale can safeguard shared economic interests and guarantee essential sea lanes for trade.
- Security Issues: Terrorism, maritime conflicts, and non-traditional security threats are just a few of the security issues that the Indo-Pacific region must deal with. By working together on defense matters, India and Korea will be better able to handle these issues jointly and promote stability in the area.
How does this shift impact regional power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific?
- Balancing Power: Collaborative efforts on a global scale can contribute to balancing power in the region, countering any potential dominance by a single nation. India and South Korea, drawing on their UN peacekeeping expertise, can collaborate to enhance regional stability. Sharing insights into peacekeeping and best practices in disaster relief showcases their joint commitment to global peace and security.
- Regional security: Both India & Korea could cooperate on matters of regional security by strengthening the alliance structure AUKUS (the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia), the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, the U.S.), or CHIP 4 Alliance (the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea).
- Technological collaborations: India and South Korea plan a defense tech collaboration, leveraging their technological strengths. Focused on innovation and self-reliance, the partnership addresses future conflicts, including space and information warfare. Korea’s digital capabilities offer security measures against emerging threats. Coordinated efforts to counter terrorism and joint maritime security initiatives in the Indian Ocean align with shared concerns for efficiency and common interests.
Conclusion
A strategic, balanced approach, coupled with adaptability to the evolving geopolitical landscape is key to unlocking a robust and enduring defence collaboration, in turn creating a partnership that fosters peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
