Chang Jae-bok | Photo Credit: File Photo
South Korean envoy Chang Jae-bok said on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) that Korea has embarked on its journey to become a “global pivotal state” and is committed to playing an active role in “setting new norms” by participating in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and promoting cooperation with the Quad. He also said that India is also strengthening ties with regional partners through initiatives such as the Quad as well as “maintaining its defense industry cooperation with Russia.”
“India, as the world’s largest democracy and a fast-growing economy, is solidifying its position as a global power. Under its G2-0 Presidency, India has prioritized amplifying the voice of the Global South and demonstrated proactive leadership,” Mr. Chang said, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Korea-India Track 1.5 Forum organized by the South Korean Embassy in collaboration with the Ananta Center. “India is strengthening ties with regional partners through initiatives such as the Quad in the Indo-Pacific and I2U2 in the Middle East, while carefully maintaining its defense industry cooperation with Russia.”
South Korea has in the past expressed a desire to join the Quad grouping comprising India, Australia, Japan and the United States, though grouping officials have made it clear there are no plans for expansion at the moment.
Describing India-Republic of Korea relations as a relationship of immense potential, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that this relationship can become the basis for peace, stability and prosperity and can help both the sides to sail through the sea of global uncertainty.
Talking about defence cooperation, he said, “We have achieved a level of comfort and trust in our defence cooperation, whether it is through high-level exchanges, staff talks, joint research and development or joint production and technology transfer.” He also said that both sides have a healthy exchange of information on key sensitivities as well as the current regional security environment. The two countries had signed a roadmap for defence industry cooperation in 2020 to promote research and development joint production.
Noting that the US Indo-Pacific strategy has transformed from the traditional “hub-and-spoke” alliance system to a “lattice-like” strategic architecture, “a formidable web of alliances”, the envoy said solidarity among like-minded countries has become “essential”, as security issues in one country can have far-reaching global implications. “Our Indo-Pacific strategy outlines a roadmap to expand active engagement beyond the Korean Peninsula and offers a blueprint for strengthening partnerships to uphold the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.