In the dynamic landscape of international relations, the strategic importance of robust bilateral ties cannot be overstated. The upcoming bilateral visits by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to the Republic of Korea and Japan is a significant milestone in the ever-evolving partnership between these Indo Pacific nations. Scheduled from 5-8 March 2024, these visits underscore India’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with its key Asian partners.
The visit to Seoul, South Korea, from 5-6 March 2024, holds special significance as S. Jaishankar co-chairs the 10th India-Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with H.E. Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership, spanning various sectors including trade, investments, defense, education, science & technology, and culture, has witnessed remarkable growth over the years.
The JCM provides a vital platform to comprehensively review bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further enhancement. Additionally, the meetings with Korean dignitaries, heads of think tanks, and the Indian community reinforce the people-to-people ties, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
GROWING CHALLENGES IN INDO-PACIFIC
The Indo-Pacific region stands at a critical juncture, facing unprecedented instability driven by a myriad of complex factors. Escalating tensions in Ukraine, burgeoning alliances between North Korea and Russia, the collapse of peace processes between the two Koreas, and China’s assertive maneuvers in the South China Sea and the Bay of Bengal present daunting challenges that require careful management and strategic foresight.
Additionally, the potential spillover of conflicts like the Israel-Palestine conflict into the Indian Ocean further complicates the situation, adding urgency to the need for effective coordination and partnerships among Indo- Pacific nations. To address these challenges, it is imperative for countries within the region to forge stronger strategic alliances and robust coordination mechanisms.
Among these, India and South Korea emerge as key actors whose collaboration could play a pivotal role in mitigating the threats of war, conflict, and chaos. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine poses a significant destabilizing force with far-reaching consequences beyond Europe. The growing alliance between North Korea and Russia raises concerns about nuclear proliferation and regional security, while the collapse of peace processes on the Korean Peninsula and Pyongyang’s escalatory actions pose direct threats to peace and stability in the region.
China’s assertive behaviour, particularly its expansive territorial claims and naval presence, heightens apprehensions among Indo- Pacific nations. Beijing’s actions challenge international norms and maritime laws, exacerbating existing tensions and rivalries in the region. Furthermore, the potential spread of conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict to the Indian Ocean underscores the interconnectedness of global conflicts and their implications for regional stability. In addition to security challenges, the Indo-Pacific region grapples with economic, social, and geopolitical complexities that have the potential to escalate into conflict and chaos if left unaddressed.
The slowing economies of Korea and Japan, China’s growing economic influence, challenges in decoupling from Chinese economies, and internal societal issues within Japan and Korea present a complex landscape requiring careful management and strategic cooperation. The economic slowdown in Korea raises concerns not only for the prosperity of Korea but also for regional stability at large. Given its significant economic role, prolonged stagnation could lead to heightened tensions and resource competition, exacerbating existing geopolitical dynamics. China’s deepening integration in the region through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and assertive actions in the ASEAN countries challenges to neighboring countries, prompting concerns about Beijing’s intentions and regional security implications. The failure of the USA to effectively decouple from Chinese economy complicates the geopolitical landscape, straining relations with allies in the region and creating uncertainty.
STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES
Given the escalating security and economic challenges in the region, there is significant potential for cooperation between the two countries to ensure peace and stability. Strengthening ties through trade agreements, investment collaborations, critical and emerging technology transfers, enhanced defense and military collaboration will not only yield economic benefits for both nations but also fosters regional stability by promoting interdependence and prosperity. The combination of India’s extensive market and skilled workforce with Korea’s technological expertise creates opportunities for collaborative efforts across various sectors including technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy.
The deepening of trade relations, facilitated by initiatives like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), has led to steady growth in bilateral trade over the years. Addressing trade barriers and promoting greater investment flows can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster innovation and technology transfer. Collaboration in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy can fuel innovation ecosystems in both countries, leading to the creation of new industries, products, and solutions that address global challenges and drive sustainable growth in the entire Indo- Pacific. India’s ambitious infrastructure plans offer ample opportunities for Korean companies to participate in projects across sectors such as transportation, energy, urban development, and smart cities.
By leveraging Korea’s expertise and India’s market demand, the two nations can collaborate to build worldclass infrastructure supporting inclusive growth in the region As strategic partners in initiatives such as the “Act East” policy and the Indo-Pacific vision, India and Korea can promote regional economic integration, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance connectivity through infrastructure projects and trade agreements in the wider Indo- Pacific. Strengthening cooperation in maritime security, including joint naval exercises and information sharing, can help deter threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing, thereby enhancing overall security in the region.
Active participation in regional forums allows both nations to collaborate on matters of mutual interest, including climate change, sustainable development, and counterterrorism, amplifying their voices on the global stage and contributing to a more peaceful and secure Indo- pacific. Currently Korean society faces social challenges such as low birth rates, high suicide rates, and an ageing population, which strain social welfare systems and contribute to feelings of insecurity and instability. This could seriously effect Korea’s ability to face growing security and challenges in the region.
A stronger and deeper strategic partnership with India with whom it already shares a robust economic partnership that holds immense potential for fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Leveraging their rich cultural heritage and soft power assets, such as Bollywood and K-pop, can deepen public diplomacy efforts and foster closer bonds between societies, contributing to a more stable and harmonious Indo-Pacific community. By leveraging these dimensions of cooperation, India and South Korea can make a substantial contribution to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, promoting regional stability and prosperity for all stakeholders.
WAY FORWARD
The challenges present opportunities for India and Korea to stabilize the Indo- Pacific. through enhanced coordination and a stronger alliance. The visit of the Indian foreign minister to Seoul couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, setting the stage for high-level consultations and collaborative policy efforts on security and economic matters. Anchored by India’s “Act East” policy and Korea’s “New Southern Policy,” there exists a robust framework for deeper engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, India and Korea are poised to play a significant role in nurturing a free, open, and inclusive regional order. A closer strategic alignment between them, including intelligence-sharing, joint military exercises, and economic cooperation, can serve as a bulwark against instability. Decisive leadership is essential to navigate turbulent times and chart a brighter future. Deepening strategic ties enables effective responses to security challenges, contributing to regional stability.
Stronger India-Korea ties drive economic growth and prosperity, capitalizing on synergies and fostering innovation. Amidst the emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific, such as the increasing boldness of North Korea and China’s growing military and economic assertiveness, among others, the strengthening of India-Korea ties stands out as a beacon of hope for peace, stability, and prosperity in the entire region. Their shared stance against these challenges highlights a common commitment to safeguarding regional security. Let us strive to uphold and nurture this hope to the best of our abilities, ensuring a brighter future for all in the Indo- Pacific.
Dr Lakhvinder Singh is Director of Peace and Security Studies at the Asia Institute in Seoul, South Korea.