For me, the people of this country are my family: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | May 27, 2018 | 18:50 IST
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Victory to Mother India!

My dear brothers and sisters who are present here in large numbers,

Four years ago you gave me an opportunity to serve the country with your immense support. It is evident that our government has been successful in leading the country in the right direction, from the fact that you all have come here in such large numbers to shower your blessings in the scorching heat of the sun in the month of May.

Brothers and sisters,

The love and affection shown by you is a result of the satisfaction of the master with his servant. On the completion of 4 years of the NDA Government under the leadership of BJP, this Prime Servant once again bows down to the 125 crore Indians and welcomes you.

Friends,

Today is an important day for the people of Baghpat in West Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR. Two major road projects have been dedicated - the first phase of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and the second Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Rs. 11000 crore was spent on Eastern Peripheral Expressway while about Rs. 850 crore has been spent on the recent part of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. This entire project costs about Rs. 5000 crores. Today, when I had the opportunity to walk on this new road, I realized that the 14-lane journey is going to make the life of people of Delhi NCR much smoother. A modern technique has been used and concrete has been merged with greenery.

Brothers and sisters,

It took only 18 months to complete this work. Today the 14-lane, 9 kilometre stretch has been inaugurated. However, the 9 kilometre stretch is also of great importance and the people of Patparganj, Mayur Vihar, Gaziabad, Indirapuram, Vaishali and Noida are well aware of it. The second phase of this expressway up to Meerut will also be completed at the same pace like this 9km stretch of road. After its completion, the distance between Meerut and Delhi can be covered in just 40-45 minutes.

Friends,

Delhi NCR is faced with not only traffic jam and congestion but also heavy pollution which is taking a monstrous form every year. One of the major reasons of pollution in Delhi is the vehicles entering Delhi and the subsequent long traffic jams. Taking this problem seriously, our government has planned to lay down expressways around Delhi. It will be done in 2 phases. I got the opportunity to inaugurate its first phase i.e. the Eastern Peripheral Expressway just a moment back.

Brothers and sisters,

This expressway will reduce the number of vehicles entering Delhi by almost 30%. Those vehicles will pass through the outskirts. A system has been created by which not only the large vehicles and trucks but also the 50 thousand cars will not have to enter Delhi. Moreover, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway is the first expressway in the country, which is Access-Controlled Raw Green Field Expressway. This road has been constructed in just 500 days. These 2 massive projects are now ready at your service and are laced with latest technology. The energy needs will also be fulfilled by solar energy. This means, it will save time and fuel and will reduce pollution. It will also be easy now to transport milk, vegetables and grains from Western UP to Delhi.

Brothers and sisters,

Modern Infrastructure plays a significant role in raising the standard of living of the 125 crore people. This opens up the path towards 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'; because infrastructure doesn't discriminate between caste, creed, sect and the rich and the poor. This creates equal opportunities for everyone. Therefore, our government has given main thrust of its attention to infrastructure related to highways, railways, airway, waterway and power.

Friends,

We have spent more than 3 lakh crores in creating more than 28000 kilometres of new highways in the last 4 years. I want you all and my countrymen to hear it carefully. Until 4 years ago, Highways were constructed at the rate of 12km per day. While today, the highways are constructed at the rate of 27km per day. Under the Bharat Mala project, a provision of RS.5 Lakh crore has been made in this year's budget. Under this, highways of about 35 thousand kilometer are being constructed. Moreover, work is being done at an unprecedented rate not only in constructing highways but also in railways. A widespread network of railways is being laid down in areas that were not connected with railway network before. We are doubling up our efforts to change single lines into double lines and metre-gauge to broad-guage. Speed of trains is also being increased. We have removed about 5500 unmanned crossings in the last four years.

Brothers and sisters,

A new UDAN scheme has been launched to make air travel cheaper and to open up new air routes. Last year, about one crore people traveled by airways; this is more than the number of people who traveled in the air-conditioned coaches of the railways. I am telling you the story of the last 4 years. We are working on our dream so that even a person wearing slippers will be able to afford air travel. We are also emphasizing upon utilizing the country's potential in waterways to the optimum level. More than 100 waterways will soon come up across the country. Today Ships are sailing in river Ganga in UP. UP is going to be directly linked to the sea through river Ganga. Soon the large cargo ships will be able to reach the major ports of the country. Just like the river Ganga, a new scheme is being prepared for the river Yamuna.

Friends,

Wherever new transportation systems are being set up, new opportunities for industrial development are also being opened up. Keeping this in mind, we have announced the development of a new Defence industrial corridor in UP in this year's budget. This corridor will extend to Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi and Chitrakoot. These corridors alone will create new jobs for nearly two and a half lakh people.

Friends,

Everything for building a New India is being done on the basis of expectations of the youth and the middle class. Work is progressing at a rapid pace under the Bharat Net Plan for connecting every village of the country with internet. You can clearly see the pace at which our government is working. Just as I have given you the comparative figures for Highway development, I would like to give you another figure which is worth noting. The UPA government led by Congress could manage to connect only 59 or approximately 60 Panchayats with Optical Fibre network in four years of their tenure while we have connected more than 1 lakh Panchayats. On one hand less than 60 villages and on the other more than 1 lakh villages in four years! The country can clearly see how the work is being done. Make in India is giving an impetus to the manufacturing sector. Four years ago, there were only 2 factories for manufacturing cell phones in India. Now see for yourself where we have reached today. You will be glad to know that at that time only 2 factories manufactured mobile phones, while today 120 factories manufacture mobile phones out of which several are located within NCR. It has provided jobs to many youngsters. Some of them might be present here today.

Friends,

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise or the MSMEs play significant role in manufacturing. The MSME sector provides the largest opportunities for employment after the agricultural sector. In UP there is a network of nearly 50 lakh small enterprises. The centre and the Uttar Pradesh government are working together to further expand these industries. The central government has also given a huge tax relief to the MSME sector. The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major initiative under Yogi ji. The ‘One District One Product’ scheme is significant in this case. The central government has prepared a road map for its contribution to the UP government's efforts in Skill India Mission, stand-up India and Start-up India Mission and Prime Minister's Employment Generation Scheme.

Friends,

Quality business and trade is possible only when an apt security system is in place. The people of West Uttar Pradesh are witnesses to the situation of the past. Today, under the leadership of Yogi ji, criminals are surrendering to the authority. The criminals are taking vows of not committing any crime in the future. I would like to congratulate both Yogi ji and Manoharlal ji for this. They have done a commendable job in UP and Haryana respectively in improving the law and order situation of both the states. They have linked the criminal tracking system amazingly! Earlier the criminals used to commit a crime here and hid in the other state or vice versa. However, today they have shut down all the paths of the criminals for such mischief. I congratulate both of them.

Brothers and sisters,

We are prioritizing women’s empowerment. 7.5 crore toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission and 4 crore gas connections under Ujjwala Yojana have made the lives of the women easy. 75% of the approximate 13 crore loans have been given to women entrepreneurs under Mudra Yojana. Can anyone imagine that 75% of the 13 crore loans raised is by the daughters, sisters and mothers of our country? In the last four years, we have honoured our women and empowered them.

Friends,

Apart from women, we have also taken several important steps in the past four years such as self-employment or social security for empowering the Dalits, oppressed and backward classes of the country. More than half of the loan was given to the Dalits and backward classes under the Mudra Yojana. The Dalit and women entrepreneurs have also benefited from the Stand-up India mission. It is an honour for our government that we have developed 5 places associated with the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar as Panch-Teerth or 5 centres of pilgrimage.

Friends,

I can assert with my experience that those who are selfish are engaged in politics of crocodile-tears or populist politics. On the other hand, the one who is in reality concerned about the problems of the Dalits, oppressed and the deprived section of the society engages him in welfare politics and not the populist one. Apart from providing opportunities, we have also taken several important decisions for providing justice and safety to my Dalit and backward brothers and sisters in the last four years.

We have made the laws related to atrocities against Dalits and tribals even more stringent. We have extended the list of number of atrocities against Dalits from 22 different crimes to 47. A Special Court is being set up for speedy trial of cases related to atrocities against Dalits.

Brothers and sisters,

We have decided to form a commission for sub-categorization of backward castes. The government wants to provide better facilities of reservation within the framework to those who are even more backward within OBC in the government and educational Institutions. Therefore, we have formed this Commission for sub-categorization of OBCs.

Friends,

The government is also willing to provide a constitutional status to the OBC commission. The OBC community has been demanding it for the past 25 years. But the UPA government didn't bother about it. We have framed the law instead. We have framed important laws in the Parliament to provide constitutional status to the OBC commission. But the Congress and its allies were not supporting it. Therefore, they stood as an obstacle. Therefore, the law is still pending in the Parliament. But I assure the OBC community that the steps taken by Modi will definitely be fulfilled.

Brothers and sisters,

The fact is that Congress and its allies always create obstacles for anything done for the welfare of the poor, the Dalits, backward classes and tribals. They even take the development of the country as a mockery. They take the Swachh Bharat Mission as a joke and the toilets constructed for the poor women as a joke. They even made fun of the fact that our government was providing free gas connections to the poor women. The people with the anti-poor mentality also made fun of the fact that we were providing the poor with bank accounts. These people who are used to nepotism believe that anything done for the poor is a joke. People who tear and throw away the cabinet papers do not believe in showing respect for laws passed by the Parliament with majority.

Today, the people are watching that for political benefits they are blatantly lying even upon the orders of the Supreme Court. They don't even think about the instability that could possibly be created due to their lies. They are spreading rumors and misleading the people about reservation or the laws related to atrocities against the Dalits. I have heard that they are spreading a new lie among the people and probably it has reached the people of this area. They are spreading this rumour among the farmers that 18% GST will be imposed on those farmers who will give his farm on contract or for share-cropping. I request the losing party to put a limit to their dirty politics. Such an extent of spreading lies! They are misleading my country's farmers. You don't know the extent of sin that you are committing. I request my farmer brothers and sisters not to pay any attention to such rumours and should complaint against those spreading these rumours. I promise you that those who spread such lies will be tackled by the law.

Friends,

Our government is working upon the concept of 'Gramoday Se Bharat Uday'. My country's farmers, small workers of the villages and the agricultural labourers are the focus of the concept of 'Gramoday'. A provision of 14 lakh crore Rupees has been made to strengthen the infrastructure related to village and farming in this year's budget.

Moreover, schemes like 100% Neem coating of urea, Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, have benefitted the farmers and given them reassurance. Our government has decided to provide 1.5 times of the support price of the cost to the farmers. I also congratulate both the Chief Ministers for framing laws according to which maximum products will be purchased from the farmers under the new MSE rules. They have broken all the past records. I congratulate both the Chief Ministers and both the governments dedicated to the farmers.

We are working on the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana which is worth an investment of 6000 crores to prevent the wastage of food grains on the way to the markets from the farms. This scheme is going to benefit the potato producing farmers of the west UP the most. In this budget, a new scheme called 'Operation Green' has been announced which is related to new supply chain system. This will prove to be highly beneficial for the farmers producing fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Brothers and sisters,

Modern techniques like organic farming, apiculture, solar farms etc. are being promoted. Detailed schemes are being framed so that the farmers engaged in these sub-sectors of agriculture can easily avail loans.

Our government is also taking steps for the sugarcane farmers. Last year we had increased the support price of sugarcane by about 11%. This directly benefitted 5 crore sugarcane farmers. Making revolutionary changes in the country's ethanol policy, 10% blending of ethanol with petrol has been approved. Recently a major decision has been taken so that the amount due to the sugarcane farmers is not delayed by the sugar Mills. The government has decided to provide a subsidy of Rs.5 and 50 paise per quintal of sugarcane to the sugar mills. But this subsidy will not be given to the owners of the sugar mills. We are well aware of its misuse. Instead of giving the subsidy to the sugar mills, this amount will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the sugarcane farmers. In this way, the amount meant for the farmers will not be stuck with the sugar mills. I want to assure the sugarcane farmers here that the government is sensitive towards their problems and is committed to resolving them with stringent measures.

Brothers and sisters,

We are also preparing our cities for the 21st century along with the development of our villages. The infrastructure of the cities is being strengthened with schemes like Smart Cities Mission and AMRIT Yojana. We are making extensive efforts so as to provide houses to the lower and middle income classes living in the cities. We are progressing at a rapid pace in this area compared to the Congress governments. In 10 years i.e. between 2004 and 2014, approximately 13.5 lakh houses were approved for construction in the urban areas whereas in the last four years we have approved 46 lakh houses and have reached almost 50 lakhs. We have done 3 times more work than the Congress. Congress had handed over the keys of 5.5 lakh houses in 10 years in urban areas whereas our government has handed over the keys of more than 8 lakh houses in urban areas within 4 years.

Brothers and sisters,

Urban infrastructure is also being prepared to handle the challenges of growing population. We have seen that 38 years of rule by a single family has led to unplanned growth in urban areas. We know where the problem lies. There was no proper system of removing the sewer from the cities or for water treatment. Our rivers are carrying garbage from the cities and depositing them in the seas. Our mother Ganga, in particular, is bearing the brunt of growing population and industrial pollution. Therefore, our government has started the Namami Gange programme. The government has not only emphasized upon cleanliness of Ganges but also is trying to ensure that no garbage is dumped into the river. So far, more than 200 projects of about 21000 crore Rupees have been approved by the government. Besides, Villages located on the banks of river Ganga are being made Open Defecation Free on a priority basis. Several villages of the 5 states viz. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal through which mother Ganges flows, have been successful in this mission.

Friends,

Several major Initiatives have been taken for cleaning the Ganga in the past. However, this government not merely talks about things but works to prove it. This is our work culture. This is our capital. We are ensuring that every penny of the public's hard earned money is spent on them. Therefore, we are trying to ensure that the sewage treatment plants that are being constructed should work properly because it was the culture of the Congress to construct sewage treatment plants that didn't work up to its maximum capacity. Moreover, those stopped working after a short span of time. Efforts are being made to remove this Congress culture from the projects related to mother Ganga.

Friends,

It is being ensured that the plants that are being built will work keeping in mind the needs that will arise 15 years later. Thus, our aim is not only to construct sewage treatment plants but also to run them smoothly.

Brothers and sisters,

Those who have deceived the country's poor, middle class, farmers and youth for 70 years have become frustrated to see the people's trust on the NDA government. This huge wave of people after four years is giving them sleepless nights. The fact is that they neither trusted the country's democracy nor the institutions under the constitution. Their mentality has been revealed completely in the last four years. The country has seen in the last few days how they have threatened the faith in the apex court.

The country is well aware of how they had questioned the Election Commission of India and the EVMs. They have also questioned the Reserve Bank of India and their policies. They have committed the sin of creating a crisis of faith in these Institutions. They are also questioning the agencies that are investigating their scams. Moreover, they even consider the media as biased.

Brothers and sisters,

Those who are worshippers of that one family can never worship democracy. They have even failed to acknowledge the courage of the Indian army during the surgical strike. When international agencies praise India, they cannot even digest that. They even question the same agencies that produced statistics for their government and are providing new statistics for the present government showing its better performance. They question and criticize even when a foreign guest comes and praises India.

Friends,

You and I know the cause of their frustration very well. It is quite obvious to be frustrated when the people lose trust in them. However, I didn't expect them to oppose the country while opposing Modi. But when someone has your faith and blessings i.e. the blessings of 125 Crore Indians then he will never get tired or stop ever.

Friends, my countrymen,

You can evaluate both the sides yourself. On that side are the people for whom their family is their country, while for me the country is my family. The 125 crore people of this country are my family members. I just have your blessings, love and trust to earn. I just have one work which is, serving the 125 crore countrymen. Our resolution of 'Shreshtha Bharat' will be strengthened by your cooperation. I thank you for coming here in such large numbers. The road that has been inaugurated today is an example of what the 21st century India will look like. Its significance is thus not limited to this area alone.

Thanks a lot!

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Joint Strategic Vision for India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership
April 20, 2026

At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) H.E. Lee Jae Myung paid a State Visit to India from 19 – 21 April, 2026, marking the earliest visit to India by a Korean President after assuming office. President Lee Jae Myung was accompanied by a high level delegation including Ministers, Senior Officials and leading CEOs of Korean Companies.

2. The two leaders held a friendly, fruitful and forward-looking bilateral meeting on 20th April 2026 in New Delhi. They underscored their respective Governments’ commitment to work together in concrete ways in multiple domains to bring lasting prosperity, peace and progress to their peoples and to foster meaningful cooperation among them in a turbulent and fast-changing world. They announced the following Joint Strategic Vision for implementingand adding further content to the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in the next five years (2026-2030).

3. India and the ROK, two vibrant and resilient democracies of Asia and leading world economies, are connected by deep historical ties and mutual goodwill between their peoples. The two nations share democratic and civilizational values and have similar interests in regional and global issues. India views the ROK as an indispensable partner in its "Act East” Policy. Similarly, the ROK views India as a central pillar of the ROK’s pragmatic diplomacy and inheriting and evolving the achievements of the New Southern Policy. India and the ROK also acknowledge the significant role of their partnership in fostering peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Reinforcing political foundations through high-level exchanges

4. Recalling the positive spirit of their two previous meetings on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June 2025 and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, the two leaders agreed to have leader-level meetings annually, in either country or on the margins of international events, to realize the full potential of the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership and to provide continuous guidance to the engagement, going forward.

5. Expressing satisfaction at the frequency of high level exchanges, which have imparted renewed momentum to the bilateral engagement, the two leaders agreed to further intensify bilateral political exchanges and ministerial dialogues. Towards this end, the leaders decided that the meetings of the India-ROK Joint Commission led by the Foreign Ministers, Finance Ministers’ Meeting, and Joint Committee of the S&T Ministers will be held this year. Further, it was agreed that the Defence Minister of India will visit the ROK in May, 2026 for the joint inauguration of the War Memorial being built to commemorate India’s participation in the Korean War. They also agreed that an India-ROK Industrial Cooperation Committee, a new dialogue mechanism of the Ministers responsible for Industries in the two countries, will be launched and will hold its first meeting this year.

6. Taking note of the visit of the ROK Deputy Speaker to India in January 2026, the two leaders supported regular exchanges of Speakers and Members of the Parliament of India and the National Assembly of the ROK. They expressed satisfaction over the establishment of India-ROK Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both countries.

7. To bring the next generation of thought leaders of India and the ROK closer, the two leaders welcomed the launch of respective programmes and initiatives by the two Foreign Ministries, starting this year, that will enable young legislators, diplomats, eminent personalities, media and officials to exchange visits, deepen mutual understanding and collaborate on common challenges and opportunities.

8. The two leaders encouraged greater exchanges between states and provinces of their nations to promote balanced regional growth, dynamism and resurgence. The two leaders also noted the sister-city and friendship-city relationships, including Busan-Mumbai, Incheon-Kolkata, and Ulsan-Chennai.

Build Deeper Understanding through Greater Strategic Trust

9. The two leaders acknowledged the similarity of their nations’ visions of a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law. In this context, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ROK joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans initiative (IPOI).

10. They underlined the importance of regular consultations on emerging strategic and security-related developments among senior officials. Following the India-ROK Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue between the two Foreign Ministries in February 2026, the two sides will aim to hold the Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industry Cooperation and the inaugural Defence and Foreign Affairs 2+2 Dialogue at Vice Minister levels at a mutually convenient time.

11. The two leaders welcomed the launch of an India-ROK Economic Security Dialogue that aims at enhancing resilience in supply chains, promoting market diversification and advancing cooperation in cutting-edge technologies on the basis of mutual strategic trust.

12. The two leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They agreed to enhance cooperation to root out terrorists’ safe havens, eliminate terrorist financing channels and their nexus with transnational crime, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists. Both sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and called for perpetrators, organisers, and financiers to be brought to justice without any further delay. Prime Minister Modi also explained to President Lee that The Resistance Front had claimed responsibility for the attack. President Lee noted this with serious concern.

Creating Mutual Wins through Industrial Dynamism

13.The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of the MOU on India-ROK Industrial Cooperation Committee to bolster bilateral economic ties, expand trade and investment, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration across industry, with focus on bilateral cooperation in sectors such as automobile, shipbuilding, chemicals, semiconductors, telecom equipment, display, secondary batteries; and for cooperating to strengthen supply chains for strategic resources, critical minerals and rare earths; trade of green hydrogen and its derivatives, nuclear power plant projects; and overseas resource development projects.

14. India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal vision has unleashed new opportunities for long-term and strategic bilateral collaboration with the ROK, a leading shipbuilding and maritime nation. The two sides adopted a Comprehensive Framework for Partnership on Shipbuilding, Shipping and Maritime Logistics and looked forward to its early implementation. The two leaders welcomed and expressed support for a range of B2B collaborations concluded and planned between Indian and Korean businesses for shipyard development, critical infrastructure required for shipyard establishment, port operations, and shipping & maritime logistics in India. They welcomed the opening of office of Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) in Mumbai, the first such office that will contribute to the development of ancillary ecosystem to support the maritime industry.

15. The leaders also took note of the successful hosting of the India-ROK Business Forum on 20 April 2026. In order to nurture continuous business engagements, the two sides agreed to hold regular interactions among leading industry associations on the sidelines of the Industrial Cooperation Committee and its Working Groups’ meetings.The two leaders welcomed the announcements made by Indian and Korean businesses for investment and B2B collaboration.

16. The leaders agreed to foster a more conducive business environment to encourage further investment by Korean and Indian companies in each other’s markets.

17. The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of an MOU on Cooperation in the field of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME). They directed concerned Departments/Ministries to explore ways to extend India-ROK cooperation to the SMEs of the two countries, including activities under the ambit of MOU to connect small and medium businesses to help SMEs to smoothly explore and benefit from the respective markets.

18. Collaboration between India, a major economy enjoying robust growth in steel industry and the ROK, a technology leader in green steel-making, is of critical importance. They agreed to the establishment of an India-ROK Annual Steel Dialogue,which would focus on boosting trade opportunities, solidifying economic ties and promoting cleaner energy in the steel sector. They also welcomed the signing of an MOU between POSCO and JSW for establishing a 6 MMT Integrated Steel Plant in Odisha.

Catalysing Partnerships focussing on Trade, Finance and Development

19. Emphasizing the importance of realizing the full potential of India-ROK bilateral trade and to promote mutually beneficial exchanges in new avenues of trade including digital trade, supply chain collaboration and green economy, the two leaders welcomed the decision to resume and expedite the CEPA upgrade negotiations for early conclusion.

20. India’s fintech revolution, illustrated by the Unified Payments Interface and regulatory innovations, has created many opportunities for trans-border collaboration. The two leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU between National Payment Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute (KFTC) for phased integration of the digital payment systems of the two countries to enhance inter-operability and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties. They also welcomed the MOU between International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) of India and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) / Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) of the ROK for cooperation and consultation for development and supervision of cross-border financial products.

21. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the successful holding of the ‘ROK-India Financial Cooperation Forum’ with the participation of financial authorities and institutions from both countries to strengthen cooperation in the financial sector, including banking, capital markets and fin-tech.

22. The ROK’s financial entities are important players in India’s economic development, focusing their investments on infrastructure, manufacturing, and the growing financial market. In this context, the two leaders noted the successful operation in India by the Korea Investment Corporation, and welcomed the interest of Korea Development Bank to open an office in India. Prime Minister Modi also invited the National Pension Service of the ROK to explore opening of its office in India.

23. Recognizing the potential for development partnership between India and ROK, the two leaders agreed to continue to work together to advance development cooperation for capacity-building of skilled industrial human resources in India, including ongoing projects implemented by KOICA. The two sides agreed to work together to ensure effective development cooperation between the two countries.

Future-proofing growth through partnerships in emerging industries

24.India and the ROK, two nations with strong and complementary digital capabilities, can contribute to industries and technologies defining the world’s future. The two leaders welcomed the launch of a Framework for India-Korea Digital Bridge focusing on AI, data governance and digital businesses, while also recognizing the role of enabling technologies, including semiconductors, in supporting digital innovation and cooperation. Prime Minister Modi briefed President Lee about the growth of semiconductor industry in India and welcomed Korean businesses to take advantage of government incentives and the growing market. The two leaders appreciated respective visions for AI development, inspired by the principles of "AI for All” and "MANAV” that promote innovation alongside accessibility and inclusivity. They expressed a desire to deepen India-Korea partnership across AI verticals, including for research and talent nurturing.

25.The two leaders underscored the strategic importance of India-ROK cooperation in defence industries, by reinvigorating the 2020 MOU on ‘Roadmap to Defence Industry Cooperation’. They expressed satisfaction over the successful joint venture of K9-Vajra howitzers with the second batch of production in progress. They welcomed ongoing efforts to replicate the model in other futuristic defence technologies/platforms like Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun-Missile Systems and other areas of mutual interest.

26.Recognizing the innovations in defence industry taking place in both countries, the two leaders decided to launch a ‘Korea-India Defence Accelerator’ (KIND-X) innovation platform to connect businesses, incubators, investors, defence start-ups and universities from both sides.

27. Space being a promising frontier of national development in both countries, the two leaders welcomed the initiatives to form a Joint Working Group between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Korea Aero Space Administration (KASA), to explore opportunities for cooperation at the National Space Agency level, and the holding of an India-ROK "Space Day” in collaboration with IN-SPACe in Bengaluru on 20 April 2026, to promote collaboration among the space startups, industries and research institutes. The two leaders encouraged their sides to explore opportunities for mutual support for each other's satellite navigation systems.

Uniting for Mother Earth

28. The two leaders recognized that in the face of present turmoil in global energy and resources market, India and the ROK, as major importers of hydrocarbons and key minerals, need to work towards efficient energy use, mineral extraction, processing and recycling, and co-development of alternative energies and materials in an environmentally sustainable manner.The leaders also underlined the importance of building secure, resilient, and innovation-driven supply chains across critical minerals and advanced technologies. To this end, the two leaders agreed to cooperate across the critical minerals value chain including strengthening linkages between the geological survey organizations of the two countries for mapping and exploration of critical minerals through the use of artificial intelligence. They supported collaboration in recovery of critical minerals from unconventional sources such as e-waste and mine tailings, as part of circularity initiatives.

29. Furthermore, while President Lee welcomed India’s joining the Pax Silica initiative, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s leadership as Chair of the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE). They also agreed to explore strengthening cooperation on securing critical materials, such as naphtha, in times of supply disruption or market instability, in accordance with market conditions and commercial considerations. The two sides will explore opportunities to expand the bilateral trade of critical materials.

30. India and the ROK are partners in combating global challenges of climate change through a positive and proactive agenda that also promotes their economic well-being. In this context, the two leaders welcomed the conclusion of an MOC under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes a cooperative approach for investment-driven mitigation projects, advances the achievement of their respective Nationally Determined Contributions, and further strengthens their strategic partnership in the area of climate action.

31. As environmentally responsible nations, India and the ROK decided to pursue institutional cooperation through an MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Climate and the Environment. The two leaders welcomed the ROK joining as a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and India joining as a member of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Prime Minister Modi also invited the ROK to join the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

32. In recognition of the extensive interests in India-ROK to address global challenges affecting the future of humanity, the two leaders welcomed the adoption of a Joint Statement on Cooperation in the field of Sustainability along with the launch of a dialogue between the two Foreign Ministries on Global Themes, including Climate Change, Arctic, and Maritime Cooperation.

Amplifying the soft power quotient

33. Building on the rich and shared cultural heritage of India and the ROK, thetwo leaders supported further strengthening cultural linkages between institutions in the two countries. They welcomed the extension of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the period 2026-2030 and encouraged their concerned agencies to develop suitable plans to implement this in a befitting manner. They also decided to commemorate the year 2028-29 as the Year of India-ROK Friendship through a series of cultural activities.

34. The two leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Furthermore, the two sides also agreed to promote collaboration in the film sector, including co-productions, training exchanges, and technology sharing in areas such as animation and visual effects (VFX).

35. The two leaders agreed to support activities to promote awareness about each other’s rich cultural heritage and soft power projection, including celebration of India Day in the ROK and Korea Day in India.

36. Recalling the shared Buddhist heritage of the two countries and in line with their objective of deepening the historical and civilizational connect between India and the ROK, the two leaders welcomed India’s donation of 200 artefacts to the ROK and welcomed Gimhae’s efforts to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

37. The two leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sports to encourage and facilitate engagements such as exchange of experts and personnel, exchange of programmes and knowledge related to coaching, talent development and sports science, and cooperation between sports authorities and other sports bodies between India and the ROK.

People to People relations

38. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership. They welcomed collaboration between universities and secondary schools through expanded information sharing, as well as faculty and student exchange programmes and joint academic initiatives—particularly in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and STEM.

39. Recognizing the importance of linguistic and cultural understanding, the two leaders supported the teaching and learning of the Korean language in India and Indian languages, especially Hindi, in the ROK, through academic curriculum, digital tools, teacher training and relevant institutional frameworks. They welcomed the launch of the first Korea Education Centre in India in January 2026.

40. The two sides also agreed to enhance university-level academic cooperation through joint research, credit transfer and exchange of students between the twenty-three Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the ten Korean National Universities participating in the KNU10 Consortium in the ROK.

41. The two leaders welcomed the provision of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Indian recipients, and reciprocal offer of scholarships to Korean recipients through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship and ICCR Lata Mangeshkar Scholarship Scheme for Art and Culture, and the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for holistic wellness. To deepen bilateral educational ties, the two leaders aimed to expand these programs by increasing scholarship slots for each other’s nationals under their respective schemes.

42. India and the ROK share strong complementarities in the field of human resources. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to leverage each other’s scientific and technological prowess, and to strengthen linkages between their scientific institutions and human capital. In this regard, they welcomed the decision to promote joint R&D through the next Joint Committee on Science and Technology.

43. The two sides concurred on seeking ways to make visa and immigration related processes more efficient, with a view to encouraging more active people-to-people exchanges. The leaders also supported the strengthening of air connectivity between India and the ROK to promote more active exchanges of people and goods.

44. Celebrating the contributions of the Korean and India communities residing in each other’s country, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support their well-being and active participation in their respective societies for the betterment of both countries.

Partnership for Global Good

45. Recognizing both countries’ contribution and commitment towards global non-proliferation efforts, the two sides committed to continue working together for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, with the aim of further strengthening the international non-proliferation regime.

46. Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to a rules-based, open, fair, equitable, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core. They underscored the importance of engaging constructively to strengthen the multilateral trading system and the functioning of the WTO. India and the ROK agreed to enhance the collaboration in the multilateral fora, including the G20, in view of the ROK’s Presidency of the Group in 2028.

47. The two Leaders reiterated their commitment to respect freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two leaders urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS.

48. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the current situationinthe West Asia. They called on all parties to uphold the fundamental principles of international peace and security, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, prioritise protection of civilians and freedom of navigation.They emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues.

49. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. India supports the ROK’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue through proactive de-escalation and confidence-building measures, aiming to achieve peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula by expanding inter-Korean exchanges, normalization of relations, and achieving denuclearization in a phased manner. They also pledged to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems, particularly to terrorists and non-state actors.

50. The two leaders expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. They stressed the importance of cessation of hostilities in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy.

51. Both sides resolved to work together for comprehensive UN reforms including Security Council expansion to make it more democratic, accountable, participative and representative of today’s world. Additionally, both leaders agreed to work towards UN Security Council reforms to reflect contemporary global realities.

52. The leaders expressed satisfaction at the comprehensive review of the India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership during their bilateral talks. Noting the completion of 10 years of the Partnership in 2025, marking a decade of deepened cooperation, they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Partnership in the years ahead.