The Embassy of India, Seoul organized a special event on 13 December 2023
INDIAN EMBASSY COMMEMORATES 50 YEARS OF INDIA-REPUBLIC OF KOREA DIPLOMATIC TIES
The Embassy of India, Seoul organized a special event on 13 December 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Republic of Korea (ROK), at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Seoul.
The commemorative event included remarks by Ambassador of India Amit Kumar and Ambassador Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former Ambassador of ROK to India Shin Bong-kil proposed a toast for the promising future of India-ROK diplomatic ties.
Amb Amit Kumar, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of this momentous occasion, as both countries continue to expand their bilateral engagements, including on political, security and strategic issues; economic and commercial linkages, energy, infrastructure, technology, startups innovation, university tie-ups, media, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Amb Kumar underlined that as two robust democracies, and two leading global economies, with shared values, India and the ROK should engage more closely to build a future oriented partnership. He also mentioned the exchange of congratulatory letters by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Yoon Suk Yeol, where they have expressed their intent to further consolidate, deepen and advance the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership.
Deputy Minister Chung Byung-won noted that common cultural and historical heritage such as Buddhism as well as India’s contribution during the Korean War are shining examples of deep rooted friendship between India and Korea. He underlined that the two nations have been developing the Special Strategic Partnership in the areas of supply chains, defence industries, cutting-edge technologies, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that both countries will continue to broaden and bolster this multi-faceted partnership, based on the shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
The celebratory event also comprised mesmerizing Indian Folk Dance (Lavani) and classical Indian dance Kathak performances by Korean and Indian dancers.
The event was attended by around 120 people including prominent dignitaries such as Ambassador Kwon Ki-chang, Vice Chairman, Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), Mr. Anil Sinha, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK), business personalities, political functionaries, think tanks representatives, academics, media, cultural figures and friends of India.