President Lee Jae Myung, during his official trip to India, mentioned on the 20th about the conflict in the Middle East, “South Korea will keep in close contact with India to ensure that all vessels can safely and freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
In a joint written interview with Indian daily newspapers *Times of India* and *Navbharat Times*, released on that day, the president stated, “Both South Korea and India depend significantly on the Middle East for a large part of their energy needs, such as crude oil and natural gas. Safeguarding key maritime routes is crucial for the security and well-being of our people and countries,” and further noted, “Another responsibility that our two nations must work together on is diversifying energy supply chains. I believe that forward-looking and strategic collaboration between South Korea and India will greatly strengthen our mutual national interests.”
On the topic of stability in the Indo-Pacific area, President Lee stated, “The conflict in the Middle East has clearly highlighted the strategic truth that the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions form one interconnected maritime zone, and no single country can maintain stability on its own. We intend to enhance collaboration with regional allies, including India.”
President Lee stated, “We also intend to join India’s ‘Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative.’ Peace and development are crucial for achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, and for this purpose, we will enhance collaboration with important partners, including India, in key areas like shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense.”
Expressing optimism about South Korea becoming a significant partner for India, President Lee stated, “The K9 self-propelled howitzer initiative is an example of joint defense collaboration.” The second agreement for the *K9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzer Project*, finalized in April of the previous year, includes India handling more than 60% of the production work.
Regarding collaboration on critical minerals, President Lee said, “By merging South Korea’s technology with India’s mining and processing industries, a reliable supply chain can be created. The two nations are ideal partners.” He emphasized, “Minimizing reliance on certain countries during the global supply chain reorganization is crucial for economic security and survival, which is directly connected to both countries. India has essential minerals, while South Korea has the expertise to transform them into advanced products like batteries and electric vehicles.”
The *Times of India* viewed President Lee’s statements as highlighting that decreasing dependence on certain nations is essential for survival and security, especially in light of China’s control over vital minerals.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment