India and South Korea Explore Joint Defence Technology Development and Industrial Cooperation

India and South Korea have discussed expanding bilateral defence cooperation through the joint development of military technologies, stronger defence industrial partnerships and enhanced maritime security collaboration. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with South Korean Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul on 28 October 2026, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.

The discussions reflected the growing strategic importance of defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly in advanced military technologies, indigenous manufacturing and maintaining security across the Indo-Pacific region.

Both ministers reviewed the progress of existing defence relations and explored opportunities to deepen collaboration between their respective defence industries and armed forces.

Focus on Joint Development of Military Technologies

A central focus of the meeting was the possibility of expanding cooperation in the joint development of military technologies and strengthening industrial partnerships.

India and South Korea possess complementary defence manufacturing capabilities, creating opportunities for collaboration in advanced engineering, military platforms, electronics and associated technologies.

South Korea has developed a substantial defence industrial base with capabilities in armoured vehicles, artillery systems, naval shipbuilding, aerospace technologies and military electronics. India, meanwhile, is expanding its indigenous defence production ecosystem through domestic research, manufacturing partnerships and technology development initiatives.

Greater cooperation could support India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing while providing opportunities for South Korean defence companies to engage with Indian industrial partners.

The discussions, however, were exploratory, and no specific new co-development project, technology transfer agreement or defence manufacturing contract was announced during the meeting.

Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Maritime security formed another important component of the bilateral dialogue, with both ministers emphasising their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

India and South Korea have substantial economic and strategic interests in maintaining secure maritime trade routes connecting the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and the western Pacific.

The meeting coincided with growing operational engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy.

INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built guided-missile stealth frigate, arrived at Busan Naval Harbour on 26 October 2026 to participate in a bilateral exercise with the South Korean Navy.

The exercise involves professional exchanges, cross-training activities and coordinated maritime operations between INS Sahyadri and the South Korean destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great.

Such naval engagements provide practical opportunities to strengthen interoperability, improve operational coordination and develop closer professional relationships between the two maritime forces.

The parallel diplomatic and naval engagements demonstrate the expanding scope of India-South Korea defence relations, combining strategic discussions with operational cooperation.

Building on the India-South Korea Strategic Partnership

India and the Republic of Korea maintain a Special Strategic Partnership covering economic cooperation, technology, defence manufacturing and regional security.

Defence industrial cooperation has become an increasingly important component of this relationship, particularly as India seeks to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.

The K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery programme provides an established example of India-South Korea defence industrial collaboration. The artillery system is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro through a technology partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.

The programme illustrates how cooperation between Indian manufacturers and South Korean defence technology companies can contribute to the domestic production of advanced military equipment.

Future collaboration could build upon such industrial relationships, although the scope of any additional projects would depend on subsequent negotiations and agreements.

ADMM-Plus Strengthens Regional Defence Engagement

The bilateral meeting took place during the 13th ADMM-Plus, hosted by the Philippines from 28 to 29 October 2026.

The forum brings together the ten ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India and South Korea, to strengthen defence cooperation and address regional security challenges.

Rajnath Singh is leading the Indian delegation at the meeting, which provides an opportunity for direct engagement with defence ministers from several strategically important Indo-Pacific countries.

India’s participation reflects its commitment to ASEAN centrality and its broader approach to regional security through dialogue, military cooperation and partnerships with friendly nations.

Expanding India’s Defence Technology Partnerships

The India-South Korea discussions highlight the increasing importance of technology partnerships and defence industrial collaboration in India’s international defence engagement.

For India, closer cooperation with South Korea could create opportunities to strengthen indigenous manufacturing, access complementary industrial expertise and develop advanced military capabilities through mutually beneficial partnerships.

For South Korea, India’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem and modernisation requirements present opportunities for long-term industrial engagement.

The meeting established areas for further discussion rather than announcing new binding agreements.

Nevertheless, the focus on military technology development, industrial cooperation and maritime security reflects the shared interest of both countries in building a stronger defence partnership and contributing to stability across the Indo-Pacific.

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