India - Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership

The trajectory of growth witnessed that 21st century belongs to the Asian region because economic power centres are shifting from Atlantic to Asia-Pacific region. Therefore economic rise of Asian region in general and China in particular is a reality. The new strategic contours will emerge in this region showing shifts in regional paradigm; leading to reshaping and redefining the Strategic parameters of Asia. India-South Korea strategic partnership has historical foundation because some popular legends reflected connection between the two countries. When India was under British rule Korea was under Japanese imperialism; at that time also Indian freedom leaders were popular in Korean peninsula. Korean leader Chaoman-Sik was called the Gandhi of Korea. During the cold war period relationship between the two countries was still. When India started the opening of its economy in 1990s both the countries started factoring in in each other strategic and economic calculus. India gave preferential treatment to Korean companies and also signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Korea. In this backdrop India –South Korea strategic partnership has robust foundation.