India-South Korea Strategic Partnership: Championing the Global South at Jeju Forum

Speaking at the Jeju Forum in South Korea on June 25, 2026, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated a dual-track strategy: strengthening the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership and advocating for a restructured global order that prioritizes the Global South. The Minister’s remarks underscore India’s evolving role as a bridge between the developed world and the developing nations.

A primary focus of the address was the deepening of bilateral cooperation in critical sectors such as shipbuilding, defense, and infrastructure. South Korea, a global leader in high-tech manufacturing and maritime engineering, is viewed as a natural partner for India’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiatives. Jaishankar emphasized that collaborative efforts in defense technology and infrastructure development are not merely commercial transactions but strategic imperatives that contribute to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Beyond bilateral ties, Jaishankar delivered a pointed critique of the current global governance architecture. He argued that the interests of a few nations have long been prioritized over the many, leading to systemic inequities. By calling for the Global South to be given "greater capacity" to drive global growth, India is positioning itself as a champion for inclusive development. This involves demanding reforms in international financial institutions and ensuring that the concerns of developing nations—ranging from climate finance to digital public infrastructure—are at the center of the global agenda.

For India, the partnership with South Korea serves as a template for "de-risking" global supply chains. By integrating South Korean technology with Indian scale, both nations can create resilient manufacturing hubs that serve the broader interests of the Global South. This alignment is crucial as India seeks to provide an alternative to existing concentrated supply chains while ensuring that the benefits of globalization are more equitably distributed.