Jaishankar, South Korean FM discuss deepening strategic partnership in Seoul

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, focusing on bilateral cooperation and the rapidly changing global situation, the leaders said.

After visiting Mongolia, Mr. Jaishankar is currently in South Korea on a two-day visit, the second leg of his ongoing overseas tour.

In his opening speech, Mr. Jaishankar noted that the meeting was timely, given the state of the world and the importance of bilateral relations, and said, “It is a great pleasure to return to Seoul and meet you and your team today for our discussions.”

The talks focused on follow-up measures in key areas such as trade, investment and finance agreed upon during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to India in April.

Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that it is their responsibility as foreign ministers to take the relationship forward and build a more forward-looking, contemporary partnership.

Acknowledging Mr Cho’s personal commitment to strengthening ties, Mr Jaishankar said: “The potential of our relationship is yet to be unlocked and there is full commitment on our part that we will strive to do the same.”

After the meeting, X shared the following: “We reviewed our cooperation in the fields of politics, shipbuilding, trade, investments, defense, technology, clean energy, culture and people to people.”

Mr. Jaishankar also said that the two discussed opportunities in areas such as startups, fintech and multilateral forums and exchanged views on developments in their regions and the world. The talks in Seoul continued until lunch and lasted about three hours.

Mr. Cho said President Lee’s visit to India in April was a turning point in elevating Korea-India relations to a new dimension.

“We welcome the rapid progress made in areas such as trade, investment and finance, and discussed how these achievements can be built on,” he said in a post about X after the meeting.

Mr Cho highlighted how India is hosting “Korea Week” this week and how this fulfills Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to directly address the challenges faced by Korean businesses in India.

“I am grateful for India’s strong support and Korea will soon host a similar dialogue for Indian companies in Korea,” he said.

Mr. Cho said the two foreign ministers also had an in-depth discussion about the rapidly changing global landscape and agreed to maintain close communication to respond to the economic consequences arising from developments in West Asia.

Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Cho are scheduled to meet again on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Jeju Peace and Prosperity Forum, where Mr. Jaishankar will deliver the keynote speech.