Date : 09/09/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2- International Relations - Bilateral Relations

Keywords: India' Act East Policy, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), QUAD, AUKUS, CHIP 4 Alliance

Context-

• The historic Camp David summit in August this year, involving the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), marks the beginning of a rejuvenated strategic partnership among these traditional allies.
• As India and ROK commemorate the 50th year of their diplomatic relations, this event, coupled with a fresh strategic outlook in Seoul, presents a unique opening for India to reevaluate its ties with South Korea, especially within the context of the Indo-Pacific.
• ROK, alongside Japan and the U.S., possesses the potential to play a pivotal role in India's Indo-Pacific strategy. It's essential, however, to view the India-ROK strategic partnership within the broader framework of recent geopolitical shifts in East Asia. Here, we delve into the various dimensions of this evolving dynamic.

The Significance of the Camp David Summit:

• The South Korea-Japan-U.S. trilateral meeting at Camp David holds substantial significance in the region. Firstly, it signifies a much-needed improvement in Seoul-Tokyo relations, which is a direct response to the changing regional security landscape. This development, in conjunction with initiatives like AUKUS, the Quad, and the CHIP 4 Alliance, demonstrates the potential for a reinforced U.S.-led alliance structure in East Asia, adapting to the multipolar nature of the international system.
• The Camp David summit also suggests a strategic shift in South Korea's traditional approach of avoiding offense to China at all costs. The new administration seems to acknowledge the changing security dynamics and is less reticent in addressing the China challenge, even with substantial trade ties to Beijing.
• Moreover, there is a growing desire within the ROK to join the Quad grouping, which aligns with India's interests. South Korea's aspirations to join the Quad have been met with cautious optimism, given historical tensions with Japan. However, the Camp David summit may have paved the way for South Korea's potential application for Quad Plus membership.

Foreign Policy Enthusiasm in Seoul:

• President Yoon Suk Yeol's commitment to making South Korea a "global pivotal state" signals renewed foreign policy enthusiasm in Seoul. This newfound approach encompasses engagement with the U.S. and Japan, support for Ukraine, acknowledgment of the China challenge, and a desire to play a more substantial role in the Indo-Pacific.

ROK as a Natural Partner for India:

Considering this geopolitical context, India and ROK have a unique opportunity to bolster their strategic partnership as they celebrate the 50th year of their diplomatic relations. Several factors make ROK a natural partner for India in the Indo-Pacific:

• ROK's location in the Indo-Pacific, its proximity to China, and its status as a U.S. ally make it an ideal like-minded strategic partner.
• Both countries share concerns about China's rise and its unilateral efforts to reshape the Asian security landscape.
• India's growing proximity to the U.S. and heightened concerns about Chinese intentions further strengthen the case for collaboration with ROK.

Areas of Collaboration:

There are various areas in which India and ROK can strengthen their partnership:

• Political and Diplomatic Engagement: Consider establishing annual summits at the Foreign Ministers' level and a 2+2 dialogue. Reciprocal visits by leaders can further deepen ties.
• Technology Initiative: Explore the possibility of negotiating a South Korea-Japan-India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) akin to the India-U.S. iCET agreement.
• Defense Cooperation: Leverage ROK's willingness to contribute to India's defense needs within the "Make in India" framework. The K9 Vajra, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, built by L&T with technology from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense is an example in this regard. South Korean-built K2 Black Panther tanks could also be co-produced in India for the Indian Army or third countries.
• Nuclear Energy: Another area of collaboration still could be in the context of Korean-built civilian nuclear reactors. Even after the conclusion of the India-U.S. civil nuclear deal, India-International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement, and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver, New Delhi has not been able to import any nuclear reactors due to the difficulties foreign suppliers have with India’s nuclear liability law. Given India’s growing need for clean energy and Seoul’s remarkable track record in supplying cheaper and faster nuclear reactors to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and central European states, New Delhi could consider purchasing Korean-built reactors so as to expand the share of nuclear energy in the country’s energy basket — if indeed Seoul is open to working within the Indian liability law and the subsequent assurances given by the Indian government.

Conclusion:

• With ROK's new strategic orientation and its alignment with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, India has a golden opportunity to advance its interests in the Indo-Pacific. The outcomes of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. trilateral meeting underscore the potential for strengthening the India-ROK strategic partnership. Seizing this opportunity can pave the way for enhanced cooperation and collaboration between these two nations in the rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific landscape.
• India's G-20 presidency offers an opportunity for enhanced collaboration with South Korea, aligning efforts to address Global South concerns. South Korea's role in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) supports future-focused regional cooperation on maritime issues. Exploring a trilateral relationship with ASEAN, these middle powers can jointly promote a stable, rule-based regional order.

Source - The Hindu