South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung Arrives in Delhi, First Visit by Korean Leader in 8 Years

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day state visit.

The first by a South Korean leader to India in over eight years, signalling a renewed push in bilateral ties. Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, Lee — who assumed office in June 2025 — is set to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the visit marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Calling it a “reboot” of ties, officials view the visit as part of Seoul’s broader outreach to the Global South and a move to inject fresh momentum into its partnership with India. President Lee was received at the airport by Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, underscoring the importance New Delhi has attached to the visit.

FOCUS ON TRADE, TECH, AND STRATEGY

India and South Korea elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015, with cooperation expanding across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, defence, green energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

Officials expect the visit to unlock new trade and investment opportunities while reinforcing collaboration in critical technologies. Talks are also likely to focus on strengthening defence production under the “Make in India” initiative and enhancing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS LINED UP

President Lee’s schedule includes a meeting with S. Jaishankar to set the stage for broader discussions. On Monday, he will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The centrepiece of the visit will be a bilateral summit at Hyderabad House, where Lee and Narendra Modi are expected to hold extensive talks and sign multiple agreements. The leaders are also likely to outline a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific in a joint statement following the talks.