Shared vision of President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India

President Moon Jae-in of Korea and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India stated, “We reaffirmed our mutual desire to further strengthen the ROK-India ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ built on the foundations of deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds, and based on shared universal values of democracy, free market economy, rule of law, common commitment to a peaceful, stable, secure, free, open, inclusive and rules-based region.”

President Moon Jae-in (left) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India emphasize the importance of increased cooperation between Korea and India during the former’s visit to New Delhi on July 10, 2018.

Speaking at a join press meeting in New Delhi in India on July 10, 2018, they stated that “we agreed to work towards fostering a future oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace.” Excerpts from the Special Statement by the leaders of the two countries follow:

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) H.E. Mr. Moon Jae-in paid a State Visit to India from July 8-11, 2018. During the visit, President Moon and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi elaborated the following shared vision for peace and prosperity for the people of the two countries:

President Moon Jae-in (6th from right) attending an expanded summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

1. We reaffirmed our mutual desire to further strengthen the ROK-India ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ built on the foundations of deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds, and based on shared universal values of democracy, free market economy, rule of law, common commitment to a peaceful, stable, secure, free, open, inclusive and rules-based region. We agreed to work towards fostering a ‘future oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace’.

President Moon Jae-in (12th from left) attending the Korea-India CEOs Roundtable with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

2. India sees ROK as an indispensable partner in its ‘Act East’ policy. Similarly, ROK aims to further strengthen bilateral relations with India, which is a central pillar of ROK’s ‘New Southern Policy’. We recognized the value of this bilateral partnership and its contribution to peace, stability and security in our region. We resolved to work together to add new substance and impetus to bilateral cooperation in all areas of engagement so as to contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. In this context, we agreed to explore tripartite partnership for development in third countries, beginning with capacity building programmes in Afghanistan.

President Moon Jae-in (center) Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushima Swaraj in New Delhi, India

3. Recognizing the importance of regular high-level exchanges to consolidate progress in the bilateral partnership, we agreed to intensify leadership-level contact, including through biennial visit by the leaders of the two countries. We agreed to expand interaction by regularizing existing dialogue mechanisms as well as by exploring other areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
People
4. Emphasizing the cultural and historical linkages between the Korean and the Indian people, we agreed to commemorate our shared historical and cultural heritage and promote people-to-people contacts to increase mutual understanding. We also welcomed new initiatives to foster closer people-to-people ties through youth exchange programmes, internships and facilitation of tourism and business through simplified visa procedures.

President Moon Jae-in (behind rostrum) gives a speech at the dedication ceremony of the Samsung Electronics Plan in Noida, India. Samsung is considered to have played a key role in bringing Korea and India closer together, especially in the area of bilateral economic cooperation.

5. Celebrating a shared heritage, we agreed to expedite work to upgrade the monument of Queen Suriratna (Hur Hwang-ok) in Ayodhya as a joint project.
Prosperity
6. Noting the complementarities between India’s rapid economic growth and its highly-skilled workforce, and ROK’s technological prowess, manufacturing excellence and developmental experience, our two sides agreed to partner with each other to secure mutual economic growth and contribute to global economic development. In this context, India welcomed ROK’s willingness to partner in India’s flagship initiatives, including ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Start-up India’ and ‘Smart Cities’.

President Moon Jae-in (left) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. Moon is about to sound the World Peace Gong at the Museum.

7. Resolving to work towards promoting mutual prosperity, we agreed to expand bilateral trade, including through the early conclusion of ongoing negotiations to upgrade the ROK-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). In this regard, we welcomed the finalization of the elements of an Early Harvest Package that would lead towards an upgraded CEPA. We urged the business community from both our countries to leverage opportunities arising from complementarities between the two economies, to enhance investment, to promote joint ventures, and to work towards the goal of raising bilateral trade to US $ 50 billion by 2030.

President Moon Jae-in (left) watches Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India making a prayer at the Ghandi Museum in India.

8. Recognizing the importance of supporting India’s infrastructure development through Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and Export Credit, we agreed to continue discussing potential EDCF projects.
Peace
9. Recognizing the important role of the two countries in ensuring peace and stability in the region, including India’s historical association with peace efforts following the Korean War, we agreed to explore further possibilities to coordinate efforts in the defense and strategic spheres in order to benefit from each other’s unique capabilities and experience. In this context, ROK and India will enhance military exchanges, training and experience-sharing, and research and development, including innovative technologies for mutual benefit. We also agreed to encourage our defense industries to intensify cooperation in this regard.

President Moon and Prime Minister Modia (third and fourth from left, second row) pose with the officials of the two governments and employees attending the dedication ceremony of the Samsung Electronics Plant in Noida, India. With Park and Modi are Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Busienss Group (left in the rear row), Korean Foreign Minister Madam Kang Kyung-wha is seen on the left of Moon.

10. Recognizing the link between prosperity and security, we reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce. We supported initiatives for peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue, underlying the centrality of sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the universally-recognised principles of international law.
11. Appreciating the commonalities in our views on a wide range of current regional and global issues, we agreed to strengthen existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting led by Foreign Ministers, the Vice Ministerial 2+2 dialogue, and the dialogue between the National Security Councils. In this context, ROK took note of India’s inclusive and cooperative vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Madam Kim Jung-sook pay a tribute at the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi.

12. Recognizing the threat emanating from terrorism, violent extremism and radicalism to world peace and humanity, we strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Reaffirming that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds, we are resolved in combating terrorism through coordinated regional and global efforts.
13. Underlining the pivotal importance of promoting peace and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in our regions for the larger benefit of all humanity, we welcomed the recent positive developments facilitated by the ROK, including the historic inter-Korean summits, as well as the U.S.-DPRK summit. We hope that these developments will contribute to complete denuclearization as well as lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. We pledged to work together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems, particularly to terrorists and non-state actors.

Moon Jae-in (left) and PM Narendra Modi take Delhi Metro ride to Noida

14. Recognizing India’s contribution and commitment towards the global non-proliferation efforts, we reaffirmed that India’s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group will further strengthen the international non-proliferation regime.
Future
15. Recognizing the strong complementarities between the two countries in the area of science and technology, we encourage our scientific institutions, academic community and young professionals to work together through joint collaborations in research & development and experience-sharing, to develop technologies for symbiotic development, including in areas such as renewable energy, material science, robotics, engineering and health sciences.

President Moon Jae-in (2nd from left) attending the official welcoming ceremony in New Delhi with First Lady Kim Jung-sook (far left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the state visit to India

16. We expressed confidence that our decision to establish the ‘Korea-India Future Strategy Group’ and the ‘India-Korea Centre for Research and Innovation Cooperation (IKCRI)’ as well as a number of thematic MOUs concluded during this visit will provide an institutional framework for our future-oriented cooperation based on research, innovation and entrepreneurship. We decided to enhance cooperation through implementation of specific R&D projects.
17. We expressed confidence that our shared vision will provide a new impetus to the expansion and deepening of engagement between the two countries and will serve as a cornerstone for a new era of India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership.

President Moon Jae-in (with back to the camera) listens to an explanation at the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India (facing the camera).
President Moon Jae-in Attending the official welcoming ceremony in New Delhi with First Lady Kim Jung-sook and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the state visit to India
President Moon (left) walks with Prime Minister Modi before attending a one-on-one summit meeting.
President Moon and First Lady Kim perform a religious rite at the Hindu Temple Akshardham in New Delhi.
President Moon (right) visits the Hindu Temple Akshardham in New Delhi.
President Moon (left) poses with Prime Minister Modi at the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi.
President Moon shows the Teachings of National Leader Mahatma Gandi of India entitled ‘Seven Social Sins’ which consist of the following:1. Wealth without work, 2. Pleasure without conscience, 3. Knowledge without character, 4. Commerce without morality, 5. Science without humanity, 6. Religion without sacrifice, and 7. Politics without principle.

Editor’s note: The text and photo materials were provided by The Embassy of India in Seoul.

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