Introduction

India and South Korea currently exhibit significant synergy in their bilateral relations, underpinned by shared strategic interests and a commitment to regional stability. In recent years, both nations have worked diligently to strengthen their partnership, with a particular focus on defense and security cooperation. A brief examination of the history of India-South Korea relations reveals that this partnership has evolved considerably since its inception, marked by mutual efforts to enhance diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties.

The strategic alignment between India and South Korea has been bolstered by numerous defense and security agreements, including the 2005 Defense and Logistics Cooperation Agreement, and the 2014 Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information. These agreements have laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration, as evidenced by the signing of a Roadmap for Defense Industries Cooperation in 2019 and the establishment of annual Defense Ministerial Dialogues since 2015. Despite these strides, the partnership has yet to reach its full potential, often constrained by limited military exchanges, naval drills, and arms procurement initiatives.

It is crucial to address these gaps in strategic thinking and forge a robust alliance to uphold peace, security, and stability in the volatile Indo-Pacific region. As power dynamics continue to shift, particularly with China’s rising influence and the fluctuating presence of the United States, a closer India-South Korea defense partnership is imperative. This partnership must move beyond bilateral ties to encompass a broader regional security perspective, ensuring that the interests of all regional stakeholders are safeguarded.

India-South Korea Defense Partnership: Current Status and Challenges

India and South Korea's defense partnership faces several challenges, primarily stemming from complex bureaucratic processes, differing strategic priorities, and the influence of traditional defense suppliers. India's cumbersome procurement process, which involves multiple layers of approvals, often delays or derails defense deals with new partners like South Korea. Additionally, the two nations have historically prioritized different security concerns—India focuses on land-based threats, particularly from its northern borders, while South Korea is more concerned with security issues on the Korean Peninsula. This divergence can lead to mismatched defense goals and slow progress in collaboration. Furthermore, India’s long-standing reliance on traditional arms suppliers like Russia and the U.S. creates internal resistance to new partnerships, as entrenched lobbies within the Indian defense sector may prefer to maintain the status quo. To overcome these obstacles, both countries could benefit from streamlining India’s procurement processes by reducing bureaucratic red tape and fostering a more transparent and efficient system. Regular high-level dialogues are essential to aligning their strategic priorities, especially in areas of shared interest like maritime security and advanced defense technologies. Moreover, diversifying India's defense partnerships by promoting joint ventures with South Korea and emphasizing merit-based selection processes could help mitigate the influence of established defense lobbies, paving the way for a more robust and effective collaboration.

Recent Developments and High-Level Engagements

The recent evolution in India-South Korea relations, marked by high-level engagements and strategic dialogues, has significantly bolstered their defense partnership, setting the stage for more profound collaboration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Seoul in February 2019 and subsequent engagements like the G20 Ministerial Summit in New Delhi in 2023 have resulted in key agreements, including the Roadmap for Defense Industries Cooperation and a military logistics agreement, signaling a strategic shift towards deeper defense cooperation.

However, this evolution must be understood in the context of broader regional dynamics. Fundamental shifts in the Asian economic and security landscape, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are anticipated to have significant repercussions for the Korean peninsula. The prospects for achieving peaceful denuclearization in North Korea have become increasingly bleak, especially after Ukraine's fate, having surrendered its nuclear arsenal under a pact guaranteed by London, Washington, and Moscow. This situation has deepened the relationship between China and Russia, posing heightened challenges for South Korea as it navigates the complex security and economic landscape influenced by these two powerful nations.

These regional developments underscore the strategic importance of the India-South Korea partnership. The evolving China-Russia alliance, coupled with the increasing uncertainty on the Korean peninsula, necessitates a more robust and aligned approach between New Delhi and Seoul. The data-driven expansion in defense trade, such as the procurement of K-9 Vajra howitzers under the "Make in India" initiative, and joint military exercises like those conducted by the Korea Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard in 2022, reflect the tangible outcomes of these high-level engagements. Despite these strides, the partnership's full potential remains untapped, as bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of comprehensive strategic alignment on regional issues continue to limit its impact. Overcoming these challenges is essential for both nations to fully leverage the benefits of their evolving strategic partnership amid shifting regional power dynamics.

Challenges and Opportunities in Defense Cooperation

The defense agreements signed during high-profile visits, such as the "military logistics agreement" and the "roadmap for defense industries cooperation," often remain symbolic rather than substantive due to the lack of political and strategic alignment on major regional issues. While these agreements are showcased as signs of a growing relationship, closer scrutiny reveals the underlying challenges. The partnership between Korea and India appears to be faltering, with slow progress in trade and a narrowing focus on defense cooperation, primarily centered on defense industrial collaboration and one-sided weapons sales from Korea to India.

Economic factors have been pivotal in driving improved bilateral relations, with trade reaching unprecedented levels, surpassing $21.5 billion in 2018. To further enhance economic ties, efforts are underway to expand the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the goal of achieving $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.i

Leveraging South Korea's advanced defense electronic capabilities presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both nations, with plans for deeper cooperation in various sectors such as land systems, aero systems, and naval systems.

Like South Korea, India has heavily relied on the US-led security framework to ensure peace in the Indian Ocean. However, with China's increasing naval presence in the region, India has ramped up its investments in island nations and initiated its 'Neighborhood First' policyii to bolster economic development and deploy strategic naval assets. Given this evolving landscape, where South Korea lacks a close ally in the Indo-Pacific region, closer cooperation between India and South Korea can serve as a bulwark against external pressures while fostering peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the broader northeastern region.

Enhancing Bilateral Ties: Key Areas of Cooperation

India and South Korea signed a defense and logistics cooperation agreement in 2005. In 2022, joint exercises were conducted between the Korea Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard, enhancing interoperability. DRDO organized its largest overseas initiative in 2013 when an 18-member team participated in the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. An agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information was reached in 2014. The inauguration of the India-Korea Friendship Park took place in 2021 at the Delhi Cantonment, commemorating the contribution of the Indian peacekeeping force during the Korean War of 1950-53. A Roadmap for Defense Industries Cooperation was signed between India and South Korea in 2019.iii Since 2015, annual Defense Ministerial Dialogues have been established, reaching a 2+2 dialogue at the Defense Secretariat Level in 2019. In 2018, India procured 100 K-9 Vajra guns from South Korea under the Make in India project. South Korea has expressed interest in India's Navy P75 (I) project, which involves the indigenous construction of 6 stealth submarines under the Make in India initiative.iv

China expressed strong disapproval when South Korea opted to deploy the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to counter the escalating North Korean missile threat. In an attempt to appease Beijing, the Moon administration embraced the 'Three-Nos' policy, committing not to participate in an American missile defense network or form a trilateral military alliance with the US and Japan. However, President Yoon has pledged to reverse this policy and pursue closer engagement with Washington. He is currently exploring options to reintroduce nuclear bombers and submarines to the Korean peninsula, signaling a potential policy shift that could lead to heightened tensions with North Korea and China. Consequently, the evolving regional dynamics on the peninsula will carry significant security implications for India, necessitating increased engagement with South Korea and its regional partners.v

The first ever such Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) at the level of Deputy Minister, Ministry of Defense, was held at Seoul on 24 December 2013.vi In the forum titled "Republic of Korea and India: Partners of Strategic Trust in the Indo-Pacific," held in Seoul in March 2024, the growing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region were thoroughly examined. These challenges include heightened instability driven by various factors such as escalating tensions in Ukraine, evolving alliances involving North Korea and Russia, and China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The potential spillover of conflicts, like the Israel-Palestine conflict, into the Indian Ocean adds further complexity, necessitating effective coordination among Indo-Pacific nations.

Notably, India and South Korea are identified as key players whose collaboration could significantly contribute to mitigating the threats of war, conflict, and chaos in the region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, and the collapse of peace processes on the Korean Peninsula highlight the urgent need for strategic cooperation. China's assertive behavior, particularly its expansive territorial claims and naval presence, raises concerns among Indo-Pacific nations, challenging international norms and exacerbating existing tensions.

Amid these challenges, there is immense potential for India and South Korea to strengthen bilateral ties through various avenues such as trade agreements, investment collaborations, technology transfers, and defense cooperation. Enhancing collaboration in critical sectors like technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy can not only foster economic growth but also promote regional stability. Furthermore, joint efforts in areas such as maritime security, climate change, and counterterrorism can contribute to a more peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific.

The visit of the Indian foreign minister to Seoul in March 2024 coincided with these discussions, providing an opportune moment 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 is a strong foundation for deeper engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. By leveraging their strengths and resources, India and South Korea can play a significant role in nurturing a free, open, and inclusive regional order, thereby contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the entire region.vii

"In essence, Korea and India possess numerous shared qualities and external outlooks, making them excellent partners amidst a world marked by uncertainty, instability, and fluidity," remarked Park Cheol-hee, chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, during his opening address. Park underscored the similarities between the two nations, such as democratic governance, robust market systems, commitment to human rights and the rule of law, and a cooperative stance towards the global community.

Park also outlined 10 key areas for Seoul and New Delhi to develop together: collaboration on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific; cybersecurity initiatives; cooperation in the defense industry; joint investments in climate change and environmental protection efforts; advancements in medical and biochemical fields; partnership in the Global South; advocacy for new regulations and standards in international organizations; capacity building for ASEAN countries and Pacific islands; combating illegal fishing and piracy; and fostering cultural and educational exchanges between their people.viii

Maritime Security Cooperation

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Seoul in August 2019, has been a strong perception within the Indian government that the strategic partnership with South Korea is strengthening. Minister Rajnath Singh's visit resulted in two significant agreements: a commitment to expand logistical support between the two countries' navies and an agreement to enhance defense education exchanges.ix The India-Korea joint task force has started exploring the production of military systems and equipment in India with the involvement of the South Korean defense industry. Experts in India believe that these joint production efforts will notably enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries.x Under Project-75I (India), the South Korean firm DSME's response to the Indian Navy's Expression of Interest (EoI) for six state-of-the-art conventional submarines has excited Indian observers. Additionally, India's state-owned company, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, will collaborate with a South Korean-nominated shipyard on a joint shipbuilding project.xi In 2019, the Indian naval ships Kolkata and Shakti visited Busan to participate in the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (ADMM) of the ASEAN Extended Defense Ministers' Meeting, as part of the Eastern Fleet's deployment in the South China Sea.xii However, the South Korean government appears reluctant to significantly expand its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. In June 2021, the Indian naval battleship INS Kiltan conducted military exercises with South Korean ships in the East China Sea.xiii

Also, The Sea Dragon which is an annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise conducted by the United States Navy on March 15, 2023.xiv Since its inception in 2014, this exercise had brought together navies from India, the USA, Japan, Canada, and South Korea. By its third edition, the coordinated multilateral ASW exercise focused on Long Range MR ASW aircraft. The primary aim of the exercise was to achieve high levels of synergy and coordination among the participating navies, reflecting their shared values and commitment to an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Notably, the exercise featured an Indian Navy P8I aircraft, showcasing the growing military maritime partnership between India and South Korea, alongside aircraft from other participating nations. This collaboration underscored the strengthened defense ties and shared strategic interests between India and South Korea in enhancing regional stability and maritime security.

In recent years, India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have significantly strengthened their defense relations. They initiated annual Defense Ministerial Dialogues starting in 2015, which were elevated to a 2+2 dialogue in 2019. Multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between both countries to enhance research, development, and defense cooperation. Regular meetings of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and ROK's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have been held for Steering Committee Meetings to collaborate on joint defense research and development efforts.

In 2022, the Korea Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard conducted joint exercises, enhancing interoperability between the two nations. Additionally, bilateral civil nuclear cooperation talks were held in July 2023, focusing on nuclear power and capacity building. These initiatives highlight the deepening partnership and strategic cooperation between India and South Korea in defense and other key sectors.xv

Conclusion

The India-South Korea defense partnership offers significant advantages, including enhanced regional stability, advanced defense technology exchange, and a strategic alignment in response to shifting global power dynamics. The collaboration has already led to tangible outcomes, such as the procurement of K-9 Vajra howitzers and successful joint maritime exercises, highlighting the partnership's growing strategic importance.

Looking forward, the partnership should focus on several key areas to maximize its potential. First, both nations need to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and ensure that defense agreements translate into substantive outcomes. Enhancing strategic alignment on regional issues, particularly in response to the evolving China-Russia alliance and challenges on the Korean peninsula, will be crucial. Additionally, expanding economic cooperation and technological collaboration will strengthen the partnership and support broader regional stability.

To address potential challenges, such as differing strategic priorities and operational limitations, India and South Korea should prioritize continuous dialogue, joint strategic planning, and investment in advanced defense technologies. By fostering a more cohesive and adaptive partnership, both countries can navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region and contribute to a stable, secure, and prosperous future.

In conclusion, the India-South Korea defense partnership holds immense potential for advancing regional security and stability. By leveraging their strengths and addressing challenges proactively, India and South Korea can build a more resilient and dynamic alliance, poised to address the evolving geopolitical landscape effectively.