South Korea and India Expand AI and Supply‑Chain Cooperation at Feb. 20 Conference
Updated (2 articles)
Conference Brings 200 Officials From Both Nations On Feb. 20, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources hosted an economic cooperation conference that gathered roughly 200 government and business representatives from South Korea and India, including Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo and Indian Ambassador Gourangalal Das [1]. The event was organized to explore joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, supply‑chain resilience, and other advanced sectors [1]. Participants exchanged views on deepening bilateral ties amid shifting global trade dynamics [1].
Trade Ministries Emphasize Complementary AI and Advanced Industry Strengths Korean trade promotion agencies and research institutes highlighted the mutual reinforcement of capabilities in AI, space technology, and advanced manufacturing between the two countries [1]. They argued that collaboration could accelerate innovation and create new market opportunities for both economies [1]. The briefing underscored the strategic fit of combining South Korea’s tech infrastructure with India’s large talent pool [1].
Yeo Han‑koo Highlights India’s Role in Korea’s New Southern Policy In his opening remarks, Minister Yeo stressed that India is a pivotal partner in Seoul’s “new southern policy,” positioning the nation as a leader of the global south [1]. He noted that expanding economic cooperation with India is increasingly vital as global trade patterns evolve [1]. Yeo called for a more favorable trade climate to support joint projects in digital and green economies [1].
Bilateral Trade Remains Around $25 Billion, Far Below ASEAN Potential Yeo pointed out that annual trade between South Korea and India hovers near US$25 billion, a figure markedly lower than Korea’s trade with the 11 ASEAN members, which totals roughly US$200 billion [1]. This disparity highlights substantial growth potential for the Korea‑India partnership [1]. The minister suggested that enhancing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could help close this gap [1].
Plans Extend Cooperation Into Digital Economy, Green Energy, Manufacturing The minister announced intentions to broaden collaboration across AI, the digital economy, supply‑chain resilience, green energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors [1]. Efforts will focus on improving the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and creating supportive regulatory frameworks [1]. Both sides aim to leverage these initiatives to boost competitiveness and sustainable development [1].
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Timeline
Dec 9, 2025 – Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo meets newly appointed Indian Ambassador Gourangalal Das in Seoul, and both agree to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and resume negotiations promptly, aiming to deepen economic ties and modernize the trade framework [2].
Dec 9, 2025 – Yeo emphasizes that over 670 Korean firms, including Hyundai Motor and LG Electronics, operate in India and urges Indian support to reduce non‑tariff barriers, highlighting the need for a smoother business environment for Korean investors [2].
Dec 9, 2025 – Ambassador Das pledges, “I will work actively to advance bilateral economic and trade cooperation during my tenure,” committing to close communication with Seoul to push CEPA discussions forward [2].
Dec 9, 2025 – Yeo describes India as “a key regional partner and one of South Korea’s most important economic partners,” and outlines ambitions to expand cooperation into shipbuilding, critical minerals and other high‑potential sectors [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – South Korea and India hold a conference of about 200 officials, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, to explore expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence, supply‑chain resilience, green energy and advanced manufacturing [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – In his opening remarks, Yeo Han‑koo stresses India’s strategic role under Korea’s “new southern policy,” calling the partnership increasingly vital amid a rapidly shifting global trade environment [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Yeo notes that bilateral trade stays near US$25 billion, far below Korea’s roughly US$200 billion trade with the 11 ASEAN members, underscoring the growth potential of the Korea‑India economic relationship [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – The minister announces plans to broaden the partnership into AI, the digital economy, green energy and manufacturing, and to improve the CEPA to create a more favorable trade climate for both nations [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Korean trade promotion agencies and research institutes highlight complementary strengths in AI, space technology and advanced industries, urging deeper partnership with New Delhi to leverage mutually reinforcing capabilities [1].