Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung departed for India on Sunday, embarking on a two-nation tour that also includes a visit to Vietnam. The trip is set to focus primarily on stabilizing supply chains amidst the global energy market uncertainties caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee is expected to arrive in New Delhi later in the day to engage in summit talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. This meeting marks their third face-to-face discussion, following previous interactions at the G7 and G20 summits last year. The agenda is anticipated to cover expanding economic cooperation in sectors like shipbuilding, maritime industries, artificial intelligence, and defense, alongside strategic responses to energy supply chain challenges emanating from the Middle East situation, as stated by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
In addition to diplomatic discussions, President Lee plans to participate in a business forum aimed at exploring new business opportunities and supporting Korean enterprises in India, which serves as a significant production hub and consumer market for Korean electronics and automotive industries.
Following his visit to India, Lee is scheduled to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on Tuesday for a state visit. On Wednesday, he will engage in talks with Vietnam's President and General Secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam, focusing on collaboration regarding energy supply chains and critical minerals. This visit will make Lee the first foreign leader to visit Vietnam since To Lam's recent election as state president, a move that solidified his leadership by holding the nation's two most influential positions.
During his time in Vietnam, Lee is also set to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. Moreover, he will attend a business forum dedicated to enhancing economic cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam.
In the broader context of this trip, President Lee aims to fortify strategic cooperation with rapidly growing economies and expand South Korea's diplomatic influence, according to Wi Sung-lac.