Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu Back, in Seoul, where both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of defence cooperation and discussed ways to further expand collaboration in areas such as industry, production, maritime security, emerging technologies, military exchanges, logistics and regional security.

He also met the South Korean Minister for Defence Acquisition Program Administration, Lee Yong-chul, and both agreed to harness the symbiotic efforts to create avenues for joint development, production, and exports.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that both sides acknowledged the growing convergence between India’s Act East Policy and the RoK’s regional strategic vision, “reiterating their commitment to strengthening defence ties in line with the shared objectives of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific.”

It added that the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were inked in key areas of defence cooperation, reflecting the expanding scope and depth of the bilateral partnership.

Agreements were exchanged on promoting cooperation in the field of Defence Cyber; training between India’s National Defence College and Korea National Defence University; and UN Peacekeeping Cooperation, making the partnership stronger and multidimensional.

In a post on X, Singh said the meeting was highly productive. Talking about the various agreements exchanged, he said this makes the India-South Korea partnership stronger and multidimensional.

“Looking forward to strengthening the special strategic partnership between our nations,” he said.

Raksha Mantri also met Minister Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Republic of Korea Mr Lee Yong-chul, with both leaders agreeing to harness the symbiotic efforts to create avenues for joint development, joint production and joint exports. A roadmap to unlock the potential of the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X) to synergise the innovation ecosystems of the two countries was discussed.

Singh is currently on an official visit to South Korea and Vietnam. Earlier in the day, he laid a wreath at the National Cemetery of Korea and paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation.

He later chaired the India-RoK Defence Industry Business RoundTable, which brought together senior government officials and leading defence industry representatives from both countries.

“The interaction provided an important platform for exploring new opportunities in defence manufacturing, co-development, co-production and supply chain partnerships,” the Ministry statement noted, adding that he invited Korean defence companies to strengthen engagement with Indian industry and contribute towards long-term mutually beneficial collaboration.

He also highlighted that defence manufacturing is no longer confined only to conventional platforms and equipment, as modern defence ecosystems are powered by advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber technologies, sensors, semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and space-based capabilities.

He added that the future of defence will increasingly depend upon the ability to innovate rapidly and integrate technologies across multiple domains. This, he stated, is precisely where India and RoK possess enormous potential for collaboration.

During the event, two agreements between L&T, India and Hanwa Co Ltd were also signed, signalling a promising future for India-Korea defence innovation and technology partnership. The agreements are expected to facilitate enhanced collaboration between the defence industries of both countries and promote technology cooperation and capacity building.

He also said Operation Sindoor was proof that India will not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“As a responsible nuclear power, we firmly adhere to a policy of No First Use. However, there are times when people mistake our restraint and commitment to peace for weakness. While India remains committed to its No First Use policy, it will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail. This is New India,” he said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea said it will strengthen cooperation with India’s Ministry of Defence on international veterans affairs projects, including honouring veterans and promoting exchanges among descendants of veterans, with India having participated in the Korean War as a medical support nation.

It said that Minister Kwon Oh-eul and Singh will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ‘International Veterans Affairs Cooperation between the Republic of Korea and India’ on Thursday at the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

The statement noted that during the Korean War, India dispatched 627 medical personnel from the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, the largest contingent among the medical support nations.

It said that under the MoU, the two governments will cooperate in areas including: collecting materials related to the Korean War and honouring veterans; exchange and cooperation programs for descendants of veterans and future generations; academic, educational, and cultural projects highlighting the significance of participation in the war; and the establishment of commemorative facilities.

Following the signing ceremony, both Ministers will also attend the unveiling ceremony for Korea’s first Indian War Memorial.

The memorial was built by India’s Ministry of Defence to commemorate the 75th

anniversary of India’s participation in the Korean War.

Spanning approximately 25 square meters, it features busts of Lieutenant Colonel A.G. Rangaraj, commander of the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, and General K.S. Thimayya, who led prisoner repatriation efforts, along with three memorial stones honouring India’s wartime contributions.