South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, arrived in New Delhi on April 19, 2026, for a high-profile three-day state visit. This marks the first visit by a South Korean leader to India in over eight years, signaling a significant recalibration of the “Special Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.
Key Highlights:
- Bilateral Talks: President Lee held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 20. The leaders committed to doubling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 and announced the launch of the “India-Korea Digital Bridge” to boost high-tech cooperation.
- Focus Sectors: The visit prioritizes collaboration in critical technologies, including AI, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and clean energy. A new “Economic Security Dialogue” was also established to secure global supply chains.
- Business Delegation: A massive delegation of over 200 business leaders, including the heads of the “Big Four” conglomerates—Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and SK Group—accompanied the President to explore investment opportunities in India.
- Regional Stability: Amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting energy supplies, both nations emphasized their shared vision for a stable Indo-Pacific region and enhanced maritime security.
