PM Modi Congratulates South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, Pledges to Deepen Strategic Partnership

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated South Korea's newly elected President Lee Jae-myung on his electoral victory, signaling India’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties with the Republic of Korea. Prime Minister Modi took to social media on Wednesday, affirming his commitment to deepen the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership amid political upheaval in the East Asian nation.

President Lee Jae-myung, a centre-left politician and prominent figure in South Korean politics, officially assumed office following a divisive and high-stakes election. He takes the reins of a country reeling from months of political unrest and institutional shock following his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to declare martial law in December 2024—a move that triggered public outcry, parliamentary intervention, and ultimately, impeachment.

In his congratulatory message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated, “Look forward to working together to further expand and strengthen the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership.” The gesture was widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of India’s support for democratic processes and its long-term commitment to its East Asian allies.

Lee Jae-myung’s rise to the presidency comes at a time of deep political and societal divisions within South Korea. The country has been experiencing democratic turbulence since former President Yoon’s unprecedented bid to impose martial law during anti-government protests last winter. That move was widely condemned both domestically and internationally and led to his impeachment, followed by a dramatic shift in public sentiment that fueled Lee’s victory.

Lee, a former governor of Gyeonggi Province and a progressive icon known for his welfare-first policies and strong stance on corporate regulation, campaigned on a promise to restore public trust in governance, protect democratic institutions, and promote economic equality. His presidency marks a return to center-left governance in South Korea after years of conservative dominance marked by nationalist and hardline stances.

For India, South Korea remains a critical partner in Asia, both economically and geopolitically. The two countries share a Special Strategic Partnership that spans defense, trade, technology, and cultural exchange. With shared concerns about China’s growing regional assertiveness and a mutual interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, the India-South Korea relationship has gained fresh momentum in recent years.

South Korea is one of India’s largest trading partners in Asia. Bilateral trade stood at approximately $27 billion in 2024, with ambitions on both sides to boost it to $50 billion by the end of the decade. Major South Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have invested heavily in India, while Indian IT and pharmaceutical firms are steadily expanding their footprint in South Korea.

Lee’s administration is expected to continue fostering economic cooperation with India, particularly in emerging sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, green energy, and digital technology. Analysts suggest that Modi’s prompt outreach to Lee signals India’s eagerness to maintain continuity in bilateral cooperation while also embracing the new leadership’s forward-looking policy framework.

Strategically, India and South Korea also collaborate on regional security. Although South Korea traditionally aligns with U.S. defense policy, recent years have seen increased cooperation between New Delhi and Seoul, including defense technology transfer and joint military exercises. With the global security architecture being reshaped by shifting alliances, India is expected to work closely with President Lee’s administration on Indo-Pacific security frameworks and multilateral engagements.

Domestically, Lee faces the monumental task of restoring democratic faith in South Korea’s institutions. His victory speech emphasized healing national divisions and promised an inclusive government that respects dissent and dialogue. “We must move forward together as one people, leaving behind the pain of recent months,” he said.

Political observers note that Lee’s presidency will be closely watched not only for its internal reforms but also for how South Korea redefines its foreign policy under his leadership. With strained ties with Japan, volatile relations with North Korea, and a recalibration of U.S.-South Korea dynamics, Lee’s diplomacy will need to navigate a delicate balance of regional interests.

For India, the change in leadership offers both challenges and opportunities. Lee’s progressive background and globalist outlook may pave the way for a more collaborative stance in multilateral forums such as the G20, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and climate-focused alliances.

PM Modi’s swift congratulatory note thus marks more than just a diplomatic formality—it represents a strategic calculation to ensure India remains a key interlocutor in South Korea’s evolving geopolitical journey. As both nations strive to uphold democratic values and expand their economic horizons, the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership is poised for renewed vigor under President Lee Jae-myung’s leadership.

As the global order undergoes rapid transformation, the relationship between India and South Korea could emerge as a cornerstone in promoting stability, economic resilience, and democratic governance in Asia.