The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 18, 2025, that a presidential special envoy delegation to India, led by former Prime Minister Kim Bookyum, visited New Delhi and delivered a personal letter from President Lee Jaemyung to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation also met with key officials from the Indian government and parliament.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) is taking a commemorative photo with the special envoy delegation of the Republic of Korea led by former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum (second from left). Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The special envoy delegation paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Modi the previous day and personally delivered the letter containing the President's message on strengthening Korea-India relations.
They also expressed the firm commitment of the Korean leadership to further develop the Korea-India Special Strategic Partnership, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. In particular, the delegation requested continued support from the Indian side for Korean companies operating in India and conveyed hopes for ongoing strategic cooperation in sectors such as defense and core technologies.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the delegation, expressed his appreciation for the delivery of the letter, and recalled his impressive meeting with President Lee Jaemyung during the G7 Summit in June. He also expressed hope that President Lee would visit India.
He further stated that now, as India is experiencing rapid and stable development, is the optimal time for Korean companies to enter the Indian market. He expressed strong interest in cooperation with Korea in the shipbuilding sector, where Korea leads globally, and pledged to do his utmost to resolve difficulties faced by Korean companies operating in India.
The special envoy delegation also met with Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Both sides agreed on the need to expand substantive cooperation through the activation of high-level exchanges, including summit-level visits and vice-ministerial (2+2) diplomatic and defense meetings, as well as through the enhancement of defense and strategic economic cooperation and progress in negotiations to improve the Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
On the same day, the delegation met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.
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