Delhi, Seoul to work on air defence and energy weapons systems

India and South Korea on Wednesday signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) related to self-propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems during defence minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Seoul, a defence source told TOI. “Both future-oriented projects have a strong make-in-India focus,” the source said.

Two agreementsbetween India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and South Korea’s Hanwa Co Ltd were signed. The pacts are expected to facilitate enhanced collaboration between defence industries of both countries and promote technology cooperation and capacity building, according to a defence ministry statement.

Hanwha and L&T had earlier joined hands to provide the Indian Army with 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers under a 2017 contract. Later, an additional order for 100 more howitzers was finalised.

Besides key agreements, Rajnath and minister of national defence for South Korea Ahn Gyu-back held comprehensive bilateral discussions, reviewed the entire spectrum of defence cooperation and discussed ways to further expand collaboration in areas such as industry, production, maritime security, emerging technologies, military exchanges, logistics and regional security. Both sides acknowledged the growing convergence between India’s Act East Policy and South Korea’s regional strategic vision, reiterating their commitment to strengthening defence ties in line with the shared objectives of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific.

Agreements were also signed on promoting cooperation in the field of defence cyber; training between India’s National Defence College and Korea National Defence University; and UN peacekeeping cooperation, making the partnership stronger and multidimensional.

Addressing the business leaders, Rajnath invited Korean defence companies to strengthen engagement with Indian industry and contribute towards long-term mutually beneficial collaboration. He said the future of defence will increasingly depend upon the ability to innovate rapidly and integrate technologies across multiple domains. This, he stated, is precisely where India and South Korea possess enormous potential for collaboration. Earlier, the defence minister laid a wreath at the Korean War Cemetery in Seoul to pay homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Korean War.

Rajnath also met minister defence acquisition program administration of South Korea Lee Yong-chul with both leaders agreeing to harness the symbiotic efforts to create avenues for joint development, joint production and joint exports.
Interacting with the Indian diaspora in South Korea, Rajnath underscored the rise in India’s global stature due to unprecedented progress under the leadership of PM Modi. “12-13 years ago, India was perceived as a weak nation, but, today, due to the transformation the country has undergone in the last decade, the world carefully listens to what we have to say. We’re now emerging as a global power that offers solutions to the world. Whether internal or external security, our policy has undergone a fundamental transformation; it has become assertive, bold, consistent, and decisive,” he said.

The minister described Operation Sindoor as a testament to India’s transformation into a strong, confident and capable nation. “The operation was proof that India will not tolerate terrorism in any form. As a responsible nuclear power, we firmly adhere to a policy of No First Use. However, there are times when people mistake our restraint and commitment to peace for weakness. While India remains committed to its No First Use policy, it will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail. This is New India,” he said.