"A future-oriented partnership centered on Indo-Pacific stability, resilient supply chains, and industrial technology."
2030 Trade Target
$50B
Goal set April 2026
Trade (2024)
$25.1B
Record: $27.8B (2022)
Korean FDI
~$10B
Cumulative (Embassy Data)
Korean Firms
700+
Operating in India
Trade Trajectory & The 2030 Leap
CEPA Upgrade: Negotiations resumed in April 2026 to "expedite" an early conclusion. The goal is to address the trade imbalance and reach $50 Billion in total bilateral trade by 2030.
Trade Balance (2025)
Jan-Oct 2025 Totals
Deficit Status
Persistent Trade Imbalance
The 2026 Strategic Agenda
Shipbuilding & Maritime
New "Comprehensive Framework" adopted April 20, 2026. Focus on greenfield clusters and large shipyard integration in Southern India.
Defense & Security
Contract for 100 additional K9 Vajra systems (April 2025). Inaugural 2+2 Vice-Ministerial Dialogue established in 2026.
Technology Bridge
Focus on Semiconductors, SMRs (Nuclear), AI, and Critical Minerals. POSCO-JSW 6 MMT steel plant in Odisha confirmed.
Milestones in Relations
10 Dec 1973
Establishment of Diplomatic Ties
2010
Strategic Partnership & CEPA Enters Force
2015
Status raised to "Special Strategic Partnership"
2023
50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
April 2026
State Visit of President Lee Jae Myung
Civilizational Anchors
Queen Heo Hwang-ok
The ancient link between Ayodhya, India and the Gaya Kingdom in Korea remains a potent symbol of people-to-people affinity.
60th Parachute Field Ambulance
India's pivotal role during the Korean War (treating 220,000+ patients) is commemorated with a new memorial in Seoul (May 2026).
Education Bridge
23 IITs linked to KNU10 Consortium. First Korea Education Centre in India opened Jan 2026.