From Chips to Ships: The Evolving Dynamics of India–South Korea Partnership as it enters into New Era

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: The economic relationship between India and the Republic of Korea is entering a new era of strategic expansion, marked by plans to establish a Korean Industrial Township in India and boost bilateral trade toward $50 billion by 2030. Addressing a Interactive session organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Kolkata on August 10, 2026, Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Seong Ho highlighted the deepening synergy across high-tech manufacturing, supply chains, and green infrastructure.

During the session, Ambassador Seong Ho stated that a Korean Industrial Township supported by both governments would create an integrated ecosystem where Korean firms and Indian MSMEs can collaborate on technology adoption and supplier development. He emphasized critical growth areas, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and maritime shipbuilding. The Ambassador noted major industrial developments, including South Korean steel giant POSCO returning to India through a 50:50 joint venture with JSW Steel to build a 6-million-tonnes-per-annum steel plant in Odisha. Furthermore, he urged West Bengal businesses to leverage regional strengths in maritime ports, logistics, and manufacturing to forge strategic joint ventures with South Korean counterparts.

Ambassador mentioned a South Korean company is in discussion with government to build green field shipbuilding facility in India. Ambassador Seong-ho mentioned there exists possiblity of South Korean companies invest in West Bengal and North East.Currently , South Korean companies focusing investment in shipbuilding , semi conductor, electronics, railways.Cooperation in Higher Education As technology cooperation expands, human capital mobility has become essential.Top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) regularly partner on joint AI, quantum computing, and materials science research. Shiv Siddhant N. Kaul, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, noted that the strengthening bilateral ties present immense opportunities across high-tech supply chains, data centers, and renewable energy. He added that alongside robust economic cooperation, expanding cultural exchanges and civilizational links will continue to form the foundation of the growing Indo-South Korean partnership.