India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · SOUTH KOREA
India & South Korea
SPECIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERCEPA PARTNERDEFENCE & SPACESEMICONDUCTOR COOPERATION
India and the Republic of Korea share a Special Strategic Partnership established in 2015, characterised by dynamic economic ties worth over USD 25 billion, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in force since 2010, and deepening cooperation in defence, semiconductors, space, and digital technology. South Korea is India's 8th largest trading partner. The relationship is anchored in both countries' convergent interests in a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and South Korea actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 provisional. India's trade deficit with Korea is significant. South Korea is India's 8th largest trading partner. Source: Ministry of Commerce.
$25.1bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$6.4bn
India exports to country
$18.7bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$25.1bnin 2023-24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1962, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-South Korea relations are vibrant and deepening across trade, investment, defence, and technology. The CEPA upgrade is a near-term priority. Semiconductor supply chain cooperation is the hottest emerging topic. Korean corporate investment in India — particularly in EVs, electronics, and steel — continues to expand. The bilateral trade trajectory is positive. People-to-people ties are growing robustly through Korean Wave enthusiasm and Indian student numbers in Korean universities.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
IN CONTEXT
How India and South Korea cross paths multilaterally
