Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative will see Korean and Indian companies play a key role: Rajnath Singh

India and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense relations and a principles-based Indo-Pacific region. The two countries have also signed agreements on cooperation in the fields of defense cyber, training, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to South Korea, held comprehensive bilateral talks with Korean National Defense Minister Suh Wook in Seoul on Wednesday. The two ministers reviewed all aspects of defense cooperation and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as industry, production, maritime security, emerging technologies, military exchanges, logistics, and regional security. The Ministry of Defense said that both sides recognized the growing convergence between India's 'Act East Policy' and Korea's regional strategic perspective, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense relations in accordance with their shared vision of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Memoranda of understanding were signed in key areas of defense cooperation, reflecting the expanding scope and depth of bilateral partnership. Agreements were exchanged on promoting cooperation in the field of defense cyber, training between India's National Defence College and Korea National Defense University, and cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, making the partnership stronger and multi-dimensional.

The Defense Minister also met with Korean Minister of Defense Acquisition Program Administration Lee Yong-chul, and the two leaders agreed to work together to facilitate co-development, co-production, and export. The potential of the India-Korea Defense Innovation Accelerator system was discussed to leverage the innovation ecosystems of both countries. Later, Mr. Singh chaired the India-Korea Defense Industry Business Round Table, which brought together senior government officials and key representatives of the defense industry from both countries. The discussion provided a significant platform to explore new opportunities in defense manufacturing, joint development, joint production, and supply chain partnership.

Addressing the business leaders, the Defense Minister highlighted India's growing defense industrial ecosystem and the opportunities available under government initiatives aimed at promoting domestic defense manufacturing and global partnerships. He invited Korean defense companies to strengthen ties with the Indian industry and contribute to long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. He appreciated the enthusiasm of Korean and Indian companies to play a significant role in the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. Mr. Singh said, "The success of India-Korea industrial cooperation in the commercial sector demonstrates the great potential for long-term and reliable partnership between the two countries. It is now time to expand this successful model to the defense sector, where technology, innovation, manufacturing capability, and strategic trust are rapidly converging. Korea's technological expertise, combined with India's scale, talent, manufacturing ecosystem, and innovation capabilities, provides a strong foundation for cooperation. Together, our two countries can jointly develop and produce advanced technology and defense systems for the future. The strategic importance of reliable partnerships between technologically strong nations is immense. India and South Korea are in a unique position to work together in this changing global environment."

Mr. Singh emphasized that defense manufacturing is no longer limited to traditional platforms and equipment, as modern defense systems rely on advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber technology, sensors, semiconductors, quantum technology, advanced materials, and space-based capabilities. He said that the future of the defense sector will increasingly depend on the ability to integrate technology and innovate across multiple domains. This is an area where India and Korea have immense possibilities for cooperation.

Mr. Singh said, "India has a vibrant innovation ecosystem comprising start-ups, MSMEs, private industry, academic institutions, research institutions, and public sector enterprises. Young Indian entrepreneurs are rapidly contributing to advanced technology domains such as unmanned systems, AI-enabled platforms, cyber security, advanced communication, and defense software systems. The future of India-Korea defense cooperation lies in innovation-led cooperation." During the event, two agreements were also signed between L&T India and Hanwha Corporation Limited, indicating a promising future for India-Korea defense innovation and technology partnership. These agreements are expected to enhance cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries, promote technology sharing, and build capabilities.