Seoul

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday held extensive talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Seoul, with both sides reviewing bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on the evolving global geopolitical landscape.

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to South Korea as part of a broader foreign tour that included Mongolia, said it was a pleasure to return to Seoul for discussions that he described as timely and significant given current global developments.

During the meeting, both leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment and finance, building on agreements reached during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to India in April.

Jaishankar stressed the need for both foreign ministries to actively drive the relationship forward and shape a more contemporary and future-oriented partnership. He noted that the full potential of India–South Korea ties was yet to be realised and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the engagement.

In a post on X after the talks, Jaishankar said the discussions covered a wide range of areas such as political cooperation, shipbuilding, defence, technology, clean energy, culture, trade and people-to-people exchanges. He also mentioned exchanges on startups, fintech and multilateral cooperation, along with discussions on regional and global developments.

The meeting, held in Seoul, lasted nearly three hours and continued over lunch, reflecting the depth of engagement between the two sides.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said President Lee’s visit to India in April had marked a turning point in bilateral relations, elevating them to a new level of partnership.

He welcomed the progress made in trade, investment and financial cooperation and said both sides had discussed ways to further build on these gains. Cho also highlighted India’s hosting of “Korea Week” and said it reflected New Delhi’s commitment to addressing concerns of Korean companies operating in India.

He added that South Korea would soon organise a similar platform for Indian businesses.

Both ministers also reviewed global developments, particularly economic uncertainties arising from West Asia, and agreed to maintain close coordination in addressing their impact.

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Jaishankar and Cho are expected to meet again on Thursday at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, where the Indian minister will deliver the keynote address.