PM Modi And South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung Strengthen Strategic Partnership At G20 Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, marking their second interaction this year.

PM Modi described the meeting as ‘wonderful’, noting that the sustained pace of high-level dialogue reflects the strong momentum in the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders exchanged views on deepening economic and investment cooperation while exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Their latest engagement follows a meeting in June on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

During that earlier exchange, both leaders highlighted opportunities to collaborate in commerce, green hydrogen, technology, shipbuilding and investment.

The Ministry of External Affairs had noted that PM Modi and President Lee reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, culture and people-to-people linkages.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. President Lee emphasised the importance of elevating relations across the board, underscoring the role of approximately 550 Korean companies currently operating in India.

He also called for improved high-level communication and expanded engagement in advanced technology, defence, the arms industry and cultural exchanges.

India’s Active Diplomatic Engagement at G20

Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Lee was one of several diplomatic engagements on Saturday.

PM Modi also held talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazil’s President Inacio Lula da Silva and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

These interactions highlighted India’s active role in mobilising global cooperation at the Johannesburg Summit.

In addition, PM Modi, alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced the launch of the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.

This trilateral initiative aims to advance cooperation in emerging technologies, supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions and artificial intelligence.

With strategic convergence across trade, technology and security, India and South Korea appear poised to take their partnership to new heights.

The leaders’ reaffirmation in Johannesburg signals a shared commitment to advancing economic prosperity and strengthening ties at a time of evolving global challenges.

Also Read: PM Modi Unveils Trilateral ACITI Partnership With Australia And Canada At Johannesburg G20