India-South Korea partnership: Scale up the India-South Korea bilateral partnership

Source: The post is based on the article “Scale up the India-South Korea bilateral partnership” published in The Hindu on 14^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Relevance: India-South Korea partnership.

News: The newly elected Korean President has brought about a paradigm shift in South Korean foreign and security policies. He has proposed that South Korea should step up to become a “global pivotal state, anchored in liberal values and a rules-based order.” This will create multiple opportunities for a multidimensional India-South Korea partnership.

What are the challenges in the India-South Korea partnership?

Divergence of interest: During the past five years, India and South Korea have experienced considerable divergence in their respective national objectives. For instance, South Korea drifted away from multilateral security initiatives led by the United States, such as the Quad; meanwhile, India has been actively participating in them.

Trade: Trade between the two countries was slow and there was no significant inflow of South Korean investment into India. India and South Korea also tried to upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) agreement, but it is not finalized.

Not receiving much attention from India: Unlike Japan, Vietnam and Australia, South Korea has not received the same level of attention from India.

Impact of China: Earlier South Korean administration was heavily shifted toward China. With the new policy, South Korea will face inevitable Chinese pressure.

Note: South Korea was forced to sign the “three no’s” agreement with China. Under this agreement, Korea agreed to no additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment; no participation in the U.S.’s missile defence network, and no establishment of a trilateral military alliance with the U.S. and Japan.

Regional tension: South Korea’s peace process with North Korea has completely collapsed. In the coming days, as North Korea conducts more missile and nuclear tests, it may lead to regional tension. Any breakout of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula can derail South Korea’s Indo-Pacific project.

What are the mutual benefits of the India-South Korea partnership?

Benefit for India: With South Korea’s emergence as a leader in critical technologies, cybersecurity and cyber-capacity building, outer space and space situational awareness capabilities, South Korea can contribute immensely to enhance India’s foundational strengths in the Indo-Pacific.

Fourth pillar: South Korea could be the fourth pillar in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy along with Japan, Australia, and Vietnam. This can bring about a paradigm shift in India’s position and influence in the region.

Benefit for South Korea: India can help South Korea withstand Chinese pressure and North Korean threats.

How to improve the India-South Korea partnership?

New avenues for cooperation: The emerging strategic alignment is creating a new convergence of capabilities and closer synergy in new areas of economic cooperation such as public health, green growth, digital connectivity, and trade, among others.

Defence cooperation: In 2020, India and South Korea signed a Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation. With the strategic shift in South Korea’s defence orientation, advanced defence technologies and modern combat systems are the new domains for the next level of defence cooperation between the two countries.

South Korea’s participation in maritime security activities: South Korea’s participation in annual Malabar and other exercises with Quad countries, will further strengthen India’s naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.

An independent, strong, and democratic South Korea can be a long-term partner with India, that will add significant value to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. This new partnership can have a long-term positive impact for both countries and the Indo-Pacific region.