Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during the India-Republic of Korea Defence Industry Business Roundtable, in Seoul, South Korea. Photo credit: @rajnathsingh/X via PTI
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held comprehensive bilateral discussions with South Korea Minister of National Defence Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul on Wednesday (May 20, 2026), with both sides agreeing to expand defence cooperation across industry, maritime security, emerging technologies, logistics, and military exchanges.According to the Ministry of Defence, the two Ministers reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence ties and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, highlighting the growing convergence between India’s Act East Policy and South Korea’s regional strategic vision.During the talks, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to deepen cooperation in defence, cyber security, and training exchanges between India’s National Defence College and the Korea National Defence University, and United Nations peacekeeping operations, further broadening the scope of the India-South Korea strategic partnership.Two significant MoUs have been signed on future-oriented projects on self-propelled air defence systems, directed energy weapon systems. Both projects have a strong ‘Make in India’ focus.The two MoUs signed are on future oriented projects on Self Propelled air defense systems and second on directed energy weapon systems. Both projects have a strong focus on Make in India.Mr. Singh also met South Korea’s Commissioner of the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration Lee Yong-chul, with both leaders discussing avenues for joint development, joint production and exports in the defence sector. They also deliberated on a roadmap for the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X), aimed at integrating the innovation ecosystems of the two countries.Later, Mr. Singh chaired the India-South Korea defence industry business round table attended by senior officials and leading defence companies from both nations. He highlighted India’s expanding defence industrial base and invited Korean firms to participate in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, Mr. Singh said future defence ecosystems would increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber technologies, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and space-based capabilities. India and South Korea possess significant potential for innovation-led collaboration in these emerging domains, Mr. Singh said.During the event, agreements were also signed between Larsen & Toubro and Hanwha to strengthen defence technology cooperation and capacity building.Interacting with the Indian diaspora, Mr. Singh described Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s emergence as a strong and confident nation, asserting that while India remains committed to its No First Use nuclear policy, it will not tolerate terrorism or nuclear blackmail in any form. Published - May 20, 2026 07:23 pm IST
