INDIA SOUTH KOREA: HOW TO BUILD A POSITIVE FUTURE TRAJECTORY

By Dr. VIVEK KUMAR SRIVASTAVA Asstt.Professor (Political Science), CSJM Kanpur University & Vice Chairman, CSSP,Kanpur

PAPER PRESENTED FOR The World Congress for Korean Politics and Society 2013 Korea University, Seoul 22- 23rd August 2013

INDIA SOUTH KOREA: HOW TO BUILD A POSITIVE FUTURE TRAJECTORY Dr. Vivek Kumar Srivastava vpy1000@yahoo.co.in ABSTRACT In recent time two facts have emerged during interaction in between the India and South Korea. First they are well decided to enhance their bilateral relationship in political-economic sphere with no chance of sliding back due to convergence of interests, second they have certain limitations but they need each other in closer manner in order to maintain their achieved status in the global politics as South Korea may act as outlet to India for its Far East policy and India may emerge as a gateway to South Korea for South Asia. Moreover India and South Korea have now moved into next phase of collaboration after consolidating their relationship. Now the moot question is to search those areas for collaboration where both can come closer to stay unaffected by the changes likely to take place in the global politics in future. South East Asia has emerged in recent time one of the most volatile area in the global politics. The activities of the North Korea, China are not good portents for both partners. In the similar manner South Asia is passing through a phase of constant turmoil with its spiral affect not only on India but also on South Korea as for illustration one of the serious and negative development in Korea peninsula, the development of nuclear programme in North Korea, was supplied by another South Asian country which has affected the balance pattern in this peninsula, mainly affecting South Korea. In this realistic background it is required at decision making level in both the countries to strengthen their relationship and uplift its status. The present paper is an attempt to find out those areas of greater cooperation where both can come closer. These may include infrastructure development, enhanced technology transfer, defense collaboration, strategic political relationship, increased people to people contact with
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more emphasis upon the tourism, as how Singapore can emerge as a leading destination of India tourists but not the South Korea?, finally stronger engagement in security matters particularly in wake of the volatile peninsula and detoriating conditions in Far East. The present paper will use historical methodology and theoretical foundations of International Relations to find out the answer for the future projection of relationship between both countries.

Introduction The contemporary world order offers many opportunities and different novel and traditional form of conflicts. These opportunities are result of convergence of the interests whereas the conflicts are result of the enhancing the supremacy by increased and consistent attempt for the power accumulation by the nation states. Where as the new factors responsible for the conflicts have
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also emerged, which include role of Non state actors, problem of piracy, global warming and the climate change, riparian issues etc. Such complex global order has one important aspect which is economic in nature. The political economy of this global order has presented certain new configurations which in many occasions may show the positive relationship pattern between the countries. Many developing countries as India need to enhance not only its economic capabilities but also want to establish the world class infrastructure. A compulsive desire which has played a crucial role in the fashioning of the foreign policy. These global realities frame up the proper background which is to be necessarily used to study the India and South Korea relations in the present time. This needs to be understood at the outset that both the countries are at the positive track with no issue of conflict and their relationship is being cemented at the highest level of political governance, a fact which was almost elusive in the years gone by. Research Question The major research question of this paper is why there is consistent need to improve the relations by both the countries? The other related question is how can it be improved upon? What are the methods and ways to improve this relationship.? Theoretical models to obtain answer as to why there is need to improve the relations by India and South Korea Realists believe that world is oriented towards anarchy. Every nation is in search of power in order to protect its national interests which may be short term or long term in nature. Realism finds its foundation in the human nature, which it believes to be selfish, egoist and its manifestation in the international world takes place in the form self centric behavior and to accumulate the strength to face any challenges to its existence. Realism at this point emerge as the theoretical model to resolve the existential question for the nation states. Realism gives the answer to manage the national interests by turning the nation state as the power maxamiser. It is an answer to conflict prone world. This is a realistic condition and neo realism of Kenneth Waltz have advanced this proposition to a more concrete
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level. His model assigns an important value to the prevalence of anarchy in the world. He helps policy makers by theorizing that it is the alliance system which can be useful in maintain the order at the international level. If it breaks then conflict and tension in the global order is bound to occur. According to realistic perspective the power accumulation may cause many challenges where inequality in the world order prevail one nation state may emerge skeptical of intention of other leading to different types of situation full of distrust and war.In this situation anything can happen , even the preemptive strike is not a remote possibility All of the parties to the strategic competition would again become concerned over, or obsessed with, the balance of advantage between offensive and defensive forces. Worry about the possibly uneven development of weapons would drive competition to high intensity. A country with a decisive but possibly fleeting offensive advantage would be tempted to strike before another country could find ways of safeguarding its forces. A country with an effective defense, fearing that an adversary might find ways to overcome it, would be tempted to launch a preventive blow. Fortunately, as far ahead as the imagination can reach, no offensive or defensive breakthrough that would negate deterrent forces is in sight.1 Thus realism as a theory emphasize that conflicts will exist in the global order, the need is to control these ,from bilateral collaboration to alliance system to hierarchical order may contain it to certain extent. It is true to accept that within states, egoism usually is substantially restrained by hierarchical political rule. In international relations, anarchy allows, even encourages, the worst aspects of human nature to be expressed. 2 In this background therefore statesmanship thus involves mitigating and managing, not eliminating, conflict; seeking a less dangerous world, rather than a safe, just, or peaceful one.3 Realism emphasize that nation state need to realize the power configuration of the world. It also advises that only rational behavior needs to be practiced. It also states that instead of an ideal world, the sub ideal or even least ideal will do work. Liberals have proposed another aspect of the International politics. Liberalism has viewed the world order as place of possibility where peace can be realized. This approach is entirely in contrast to the realistic view point of the global politics. For liberals, peace is the normal state of affairs: in Kants words, peace can be perpetual. The laws of nature dictated harmony and

cooperation between peoples. War is therefore both unnatural and irrational, an artificial contrivance and not a product of some peculiarity of human nature.4 Many scholars of this stream including Gardner (1990) Hoffmann (1995) and Zacher and Matthew (1995) have a belief in progress and the perfectibility of the human condition. Through their faith in the power of human reason and the capacity of human beings to realize their inner potential, they remain confident that the stain of war can be removed from human experience.5 The emphasis upon the human logic and cognitive skill may help the leaders of the nation states to reach a peaceful state of relationship with the other one. This approach to International Politics have definitely brought another dimension to the nature of global politics, simultaneously it creates a dilemma as to what is the best course of action for a nation state to adopt. In contemporary world it is easy to find out the trends and inclinations of foreign policy of any country. If it is put in the framework of the realism .it is easily deducible that it is following the realistic view of the global politics. The world seems to be governed by the laws which have their roots in the human psyche, unfortunately this psyche is very much on the track of Hobbesian concept of human nature. The Hobbes when applied to the global politics, the Morgenthaus belief that politics is governed by the objective laws having their roots in the human psyche, appear to be winning. The foreign policy orientations of the nation states therefore is much influenced by such realistic framework. This is although a partial picture of the world order, along with the conflicts there are prospects of the peace building and collaborating relationships among the nation states. It is often observed that even very conflict prone nation states make an honest attempt to find out the solutions , desire many times the establishment of the peace, good relationship and the achievement of a just order based on the universal values of the democracy, rule of law, liberty etc. Hence the world is in complex maze as far as the relationship pattern of the nation states are concerned. This brings out the state of dilemma for the particular nation state as to what course of action needs to be followed. This analytical study of the two major theoretical postulates may be applied in the study of India and South Korea relationship. The realistic perspective draws heavily from the prevailing world order and its subsequent effect upon these two countries. India and South Korea both are heavily
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affected adversely by their neighbouring country, for India it is Pakistan and For South Korea it is the North Korea, due to this neighbor hood effect both find in hard position with respect to their global behaviour as it is widely conditioned by this neighbor hood effect. Both countries in this respect have two major similarities viz. their neighboring country were once a part of their main land secondly both have been supported by an emerging power China. These similarities to their potential cause of concern naturally push them to move closer. India and South Korea are faced almost with the similar type of problem hence they have sufficient possibility of coming closer. Realism also allows countries to realize the dangers which may emerge for their existence and subsequently they can take effective measure to deal these issues . Keneth Waltz has a clear proposition in this respect when he talks about the establishment of the alliance system. In the present time India and South Korea have experienced the might of the China which is consistently on the path of ascendance. They have attempted to balance their relationship with the China but truth lies somewhere else due to incompatible ideological approach of the governance and the emphasis on the power accumulation and enhancement of military power by the China make it harder for both of these to deal with China in a successful manner. Therefore they are attempting to forge a close relationship at different level. This is an indication of their adoption of the theoretical postulate of the realism. It is likely that they may think to include another country as Japan which is also faced with the similar type of the problem . India and Japan have moved closer in this direction. It is likely that in due course of the time these three nation states may move more close on certain global issue. Thereby realizing a sort of alliance system. Though due to Non alignment, foundation stone of Indian foreign policy, India may not allow it to happen it in explicit manner but realism provides an important platform to fashion the foreign policy in accordance to the national interest whether of the short term or long term perspective. The approach of the liberalism is on the establishment of the peace and avoidance of the war. India and South Korea both are in phase of economic alliance due to the fact that South Korea has in recent time emerged a leading force in the technology based gadgets whereas India is in dire need of the infrastructure development. In this area South Korea may prove to be quite useful, South Korea also wants to expand in the big market of India. The development of novel types of items by ROK based companies require the India like market where a substantial section
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of the society, i.e. about 25% of the population being in the middle class section with a position to purchase any item, is in existence. As for illustration the Samsung company of ROK have earned about the 225 million US $ from the Indian market.The growth of the economy is possible when the peace prevails. Hence both countries desire the avoidance of war and the convergence of the interest in between India and South Korea demand that theoretical postulate of the liberalism should be adopted by them. They have accepted its major theme that peace can be built. Their common approach on many of the issues particularly in the economic sphere have put them in the league of close friendship. In this background it can be safely stated that positive relationship pattern of India and South Korea is result of realism and liberalism approach in the international politics. This realization also emphasize that global order is full of complexities and its nature, behavior, relationship pattern of the nation states etc. can not be decided by single theoretical model but it can be analyzed with the help of several models and theoretical postulates of the International Politics, as this paper has selected realism and liberalism to answer the factors and causes of the good relationship trajectory of the India and South Korea relationship pattern. What history teaches to modern nation states History is always a good teacher. It is very important to every individual as well the nation states that it must make proper use of the historical events to understand and interprest the prevailing global order. It is quite likely that with the application of the historical analysis certain inferences of the immortal values can be drawn. From the point of view of India, the 1962 war is a great case study. From 1954 Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai [India-China are brothers] and Panchsheel to 1962 war explicitly states that nation states must learn two major facts, first emergence or existence of any big or major nation state in the vicinity to be dealt with astute diplomacy and if need appears then it is necessary that bilateral or alliance system be workd out if individual capacity is not capable to deal with the powerful adversary. China accused India that it was the forward policy of the India which was the main cause of the war whereas India was of the opinion that China betrayed and raised illegal issues of the territorial claims. India had to loose sufficient part and even in the present time it has to deal with the problem of Chinese incursions in its area, which China terms as the unfixed boundary

demarcation and in its opinion since the time of Shimla conference in 1914, this issue has persisted with no resolution. With respect to South Korea the attack by the North Korea brought many complex behavioral pattern of the nation states. The actions have USA, Soviet Union and even China provide us lessons to understand the behavior of global powers. As far as the US is concerned the invasion of South Korea by forces of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea on 25 June 1950 was one of the defining moments of the Cold War. The North Korean attack so alarmed Washington that President Truman abruptly reversed the meticulously considered policy recently formulated by both the Department of State and Department of Defense that had placed Korea outside the American defense perimeter, and instead committed U.S. armed forces to the defense of South Korea. Viewing the North Korean assault as a case of Soviet aggression, likely a probing action to test Western resolve, the Truman administration concluded that the conflict with the Soviet Union had entered a new and more dangerous stage. The United States, it believed, needed to respond by preparing itself militarily and politically to meet the next act of Soviet aggression. Consequently, the administration moved quickly to implement the massive rearmament plan drawn up earlier that year, to defend Taiwan and the French position in Indochina, to solidify NATO, and to rearm West Germany. The outbreak of war in Korea also led the United States to conclude a separate peace with Japan and maintain military forces in Okinawa and South Korea.6 As far as the North Korea is concerned it was having wider aim with a dependence upon the Soviet Union. North Korea was "utterly dependent economically on the Soviet Union ," it was "simply unable to take any significant action without Soviet approval.7 Role of China in this war also explains the behavioral complexities of the nation states. Prior to the entry of Chinese troops in October 1950, Zhou Enlai, for example, coordinated the supply of materials to North Korea via Andong (Dandong) and other border cities.[and] Chinas piecemeal response to the Korean War shifted as the autumn of 1950 set upon the peninsula.(Significantly, the collection includes cables in which) the Chinese offered tactical advice to Kim Il Sung for conducting operations and winning a protracted war in September and October. Zhou Enlais advice, however, came at a time when North Koreas military position was rapidly deteriorating,

and the series of exchanges between Zhou and Ambassador Ni Zhiliang (who was responsible for conveying Zhous remarks to Kim Il Sung) reflect Chinas growing uneasiness at the time.8 As far as the role of the India is concerned in this war.It appears to be positive with no conceptualization of any benefit. The role of India in the Korean War is relatively little known either in Korea or India. For a student of Indian Studies in Korea and a student of Korean Studies in India of our time, a study of the role of India in the Korean War might provide one more useful perspective to understand the relations between Korea and India. So, it is worthwhile to analyze the subject, especially on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and suggest that India needs to provide its disinterested objective vision as it did during the Korean War, and help in resolving the complex issues of the Korean peninsula such as North Korea's nuclear proliferation problem etc. Even before the Korean War India played a crucial role for the independence of the whole of Korea, and after the War it provided medical assistance on humanitarian grounds instead of sending its armed force to South Korea under the UN command. Later it sent the Indian Custodian Force as the Chairman of NNRC, which initially was resented by South Korea but whose task was later appreciated by it.9 The end of war also suggests many lessons that nation state must remain prepared to deal with any adversary as for illustration since 1953 North Korea has faced both a determined South Korean military and, more importantly, U.S. military deployments that at their height comprised 100,000 troops as well as nuclear-tipped Lance missiles.10 The present paper has focused more on the Korean war rather than on the Indo-China war because there was direct involvement of many of the players in the Korea war. Hence it provides many lessons to understand the behaviour of the nation states. Inference of theoretical approach and history lessons in defining the pattern of relationship International theories have contributed in understanding the global politics and behavior of individual nation state. This is true too about the India South Korea relations. The theory of realism clearly emphasize that both countries need to realize the prevailing condition in their surrounding. As both of these are adversely impacted by the neighboring states. This fact determines explicitly that both nation states must move closer than ever before.
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The lessons from history too suggest that global configuration of power and any other factor can create situations of adversity any time. There is no fixity of time. As for illustration India has not succeeded yet to contain the adverse behavior of Pakistan , similarly North Korea has always caused troubles to South Korea for no logical reason. These are contemporary problems. The previous issues of Indo-China war and Korean war teach that any trifling problems may develop in a serious one anytime. This is the application of the historical conclusions to the present day problems. Hence for both countries it is necessary that they should learn from their histories and apply the theoretical postulates of International theory to appreciate the situation. They need to conclude that both of them are essential to each other in this background. Moreover they have maintained calm and conflict relationship pattern since the time of diplomatic recognition. Hence it can be conclusively stated that they must move closer in more positive terms. Exploration of Bases of relationship in contemporary time It is essential to find out the bases of In-dia South Korea relationship. These bases can help us to devise a proper policy framework for the relationship. It is true that India and South Korea have moved closer to each other in the recent time .It may appear that both countries have certain commonalities coupled with the national interests where both have convergence, as a consequence they have been pushed in close proximity in the current global circumstance. India and South Korea have three particular bases which have helped them to grow in positive direction. These include the political, economic and cultural. The accumulation of these three components have helped to build a new perception in their foreign policies which have crystallized explicitly their interests. At the political level both countries maintain the democratic political structure. This is a precious attainment keeping in mind the prevailing conditions at their surrounding level, for India the specter of proliferation of orthodox elements in body politic always stands as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh have been hugely impacted by it. India has succeeded in spite of these attacks and has maintained its democratic structure. Same is true about South Korea as it has successfully maintained a democratic structure although it has lived under an ideological surrounding. North Korea and China have been the ideological states. Their antagonism to the other type of political system is well evidenced.
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In spite of this fact the maintenance of the liberal democratic structure is an attainment to it. This fact has definitely helped both countries to move closer. It is observed that democracy based nation states have more avenues and genuine public pressure to have positive relations other democratic country. This is the reason that in recent time India and USA have moved closer and previous East European countries have moved closer to West European countries since the adoption of the liberal democratic structure under the European Union. Democratic basis of the relationship between India and South Korea have facilitated both to come closer. This is strong bond at the political level. The economic base has emerged in recent time in a very potent manner. South Korea has emerged a technology based economy particularly in last one and half decade with a capacity to establish the Multinational companies of the world level. India is also an important member of the emerging economies where a sufficiently big class of consumers have emerged in the recent time. Moreover India is attempting to develop a proper infrastructure in order to create a global benchmark. At the economic level thus both countries are complementary to each other. India offers a big market to any of the technology based country. It also needs investment from the foreign countries. South Korean has utilized this fact and its many companies have invested successfully in India and have obtained much dividend. Cultural component have not been assigned much role in the evolution of the India-South Korea friendship. Its study at the level of scholarship is quite deficient. The cultural factor has wider connotation which includes the orientation and inclination of the people to religious bonding prevailing at the societal level. Its role is tremendous in the contemporary age. Many scholars including Samuel Huntington assert that in the post Cold War world, the most important distinctions among peoples are not ideological, political, or economic. They are cultural. Peoples and nations are attempting to answer the most basic question humans can face: Who are we? And they are answering that question in the traditional way human beings have answered it, by reference to the things that mean most to them. People define themselves in terms of ancestry, religion, language, history, values, customs, and institutions. They identify with cultural groups: tribes, ethnic groups,religious communities, nations, and, at the broadest level, civilizations. People use politics not just to advance their interests but also to define their identity. We know who we are only when we know who we are not and often only when we know whom we are against. Nation
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states remain the principal actors in world affairs. Their behavior is shaped as in the past by the pursuit of power and wealth, but it is also shaped by cultural preferences, commonalities, and differences.11 This fact can be applied in bilateral relationship pattern. India and South Korea have certain similar identities at the cultural level, particularly at the level of religion where the religion of Buddhism is widely prevalent in both the countries. The influence of such similarities and identities have been tested by a research survey with a view of India-South Korea relations and peoples perception. The findings clearly reveal that similar thinking and positive dissemination of information about the country in particular succeed in shaping the mindset of the people. One conclusion which emerged after having a discussion with a sample size of the 50 individuals with a mix of a intellectual background to the common background revealed the fact that common Indian people had a very positive attitude towards South Korea. They feel that country is a good state with a helping hand towards India and having no point of conflict. This positive attitude of the people always helps to design a foreign policy of the country in a positive manner. (This survey was conducted in the city of Kanpur in random manner. The questionnaire contained only three questions, first- do they know about ROK or not?, second-what do they think about South Korea? , third- is it good to develop a good relations with the South Korea ? City of Kanpur is urban city with outskirts having rural background. City has a good population of young, educated students having interest in common affairs concerning India with proper access to media, internet etc.)12 Such perception about South Korea has been constructed due to positive image of South Korea as developed by the mainstream media. Where news about the South Korean investment in India, political relationship, Korean culture and importance of Buddhism in different countries appear This image has been in turn dependent upon the positive relations which have recently developed between both countries. Cultural component also carries the bonding created by the people to people contact .In case of India and South Korea this has not happened at a larger scale but there is a growing perception among the people that both countries can cooperate with each other on several ground.

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This has basis in the religious affinity. There exist a common cultural bond between Korea and India through the religion of Buddhism [and] `The deep connection the two countries have is evidenced by the marriage of princess of Ayodhya, Ok Huh-hwang and the prince of Kaya,[and] The two countries continued contact by monks traveling between India and Korea. The routes of Korean monks to Nalanda, Amaravati and Sankisa and Indian monks to the Koguryo, Paekche and unified Shilla kingdoms maintained the cultural communication 13 In the contemporary time there has appeared a new cultural relationship pattern in North East region of India and South Korea. Korean culture and its spreading like wildfire through the northeast. From Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to Manipur and Mizoram, everything that is Korean is hot and fast selling. The Korean wave or hallyu, as it is popularly known hit the states a few years ago and is now at its peak. Hallyu refers to popular Korean culture ranging from music, soaps and cinema to online games and food.14 [and] The earliest indication of the considerable interest in Korean ways of life came in late 2007 in the form of a Korean film festival.In 2008, the first ever Korea-India Music Festival was held in Kohima under the joint partnership of the Nagaland government and the South Korean government. Last year, the biggest cultural gala of Nagaland - the Hornbill Festival featured Korean singers and wrestlers and there were stalls selling Korean food. Many of the songs that young Naga boys and girls belted out at the festival were Korean.15 Hence there exist a basic ground where relationships can be improved. Religious affinity and cultural identification has potent potential in this respect. These major components of the relationship of both countries have enough potential to be translated into a platform for the future trajectory of movement of India and South Korea. How to build the future trajectory of the relationship It is well analyzed that India and South Korea have developed better relations in recent past. Inspite of this there stands a big scope to develop these relations more effectively. The International theories and historical conclusions emphasize this particular fact. As at political level both countries have similar pattern of governance with liberal approach and citizen centric administration. They have experienced benefits of the liberal-democratic governing order. Hence they need to collaborate in the promotion of democratic value at the
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global level. They can take similar stand on such issues which have element of democratic requirement. This can be enhanced in other areas too including the newly emerging issues as dealing with pirates, global warming and climate change, reforms in Unite Nations Organisation, issues related to energy crisis at the global level etc. UN Security council reform is such an important issue at least from the perspective of the India where it has consistently emphasized that it needs to be accorded a place in the council due to many supporting factors. South Korean support in this effort may play a crucial role. South Korea may not will for Japan but case for India is entirely different. It may serve three major purposes , China can be placed in a balancing position with another Asian country at least in the context of the UNO. This may benefit South Korea. Secondly its relations with India may gain new momentum and in due course India can play a similar role for South Korea and lastly it can save the world body from collapse as many scholars have expressed their fear that failure to reform UNO in right time may trigger a downfall of this body. This will be a real time problem for many states including India and South Korea. The multiplicity of actors on the international scene could, if properly accommodated, add strength to our aging postWorld War II institutions, or they could fragment the international system and reduce international cooperation. Such countries as India have no desire to challenge the international system, as did such other rising powers as Germany and Japan in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. But they certainly wish to be given a place at the global high table. Without that, they would be unlikely to volunteer to share the primary burden for dealing with such issues as terrorism, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and energy securityall of which concern the entire globe. As someone who has devoted three decades of his life to multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, I will say very strongly that my big fear remains that if reform does not come, many countries will despair and lose interest in the working of the world body. Alternative structures of world governance could emerge that would in the end undermine the one truly effective universal organization the world has built up since 1945.16 In similar fashion India can extend its support in more constructive manner in the resolution of Peninsula problem where ambitions and inclinations of North Korea have emerged as potent threat not only to South Korea but also to the world. Indian role can be positive contributor in this domain, its services can be utilized in any discussion or talks on this issue in future. India
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has played a positive and crucial role even in the past. India played an important and positive role in Korean affairs after its independence in 1945 .Mr K P S Menon of India was the Chairman of the 9 -member UN Commission set up in 1947 to hold elections in Korea. The successful general elections held for the first time in the South in 1948, led to the establishment of the Republic of Korea on 15th August 1948. During the Korean War (1950-53), both the warring sides accepted a resolution sponsored by India, and the ceasefire was declared on 27 July 1953. 17 There are many such issues where both can derive commonalities for cooperation. Their relations in recent time at political level have got fillip. They have moved towards more political cooperation. This has been possible by the enhanced political contacts. These interfaces have yielded many positive relations as for illustration Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paid an official visit to Seoul from 24-27 March 2012, both for bilateral and Nuclear Security Summits, which led to the deepening of bilateral strategic partnership that was forged during President Lee Myung baks State visit to India. An agreement on visa simplification was signed on 25 March 2012 in the presence of the two leaders at the Blue House. A Joint Statement was also issued during PM's visit. PM had last visited Seoul from November 10 -12, 2010 for the G20 Summit.. Earlier President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil came on a State Visit to RoK from 24-27 July, 2011 during which the Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement was signed. President Lee paid a landmark visit to India, as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2010, when bilateral ties were raised to the level of Strategic Partnership.His visit preceded an equally successful State Visit to RoK by President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, in February 2006 that heralded a new vibrant phase in India -RoK relations. It interalia led to the launch of a Joint Task Force to conclude a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed by Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Anand Sharma at Seoul on August 7, 2009.18 These interactions are positive development as they have to face the emerging challenges in their neighborhood, the impact of South China sea is very much on both the the nation states. They can not deny the influence of Chinese military power so close. They need to refashion their strategies in this respect. For India South Korea has an important place in its strategy. For this reason India has attempted to increase its defense relations with South Korea. South Korea too
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may need India in case of eventualities. Defence Minister Shri A.K. Anthony visited RoK in September 2010. MoUs on Defence Cooperation, as well as, between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) of RoK for cooperation in R&D were signed. Korean Minister of Defence Mr. Kim, Kwan-jin visited India from 28 Nov to 1 Dec 2012,following that of his predecessor Mr. Kim Jung -soo in May 2007.19 It is true that they have attempted to improve their relations but it still falls quite short of perfect level. They can explore more interaction which can be in two fields first in the purchase- sale of the defense equipments and second in the joint military exercises which needs a proper fillip. Hence political cooperation must be translated to more cooperation in realistic area , defense. Economy is another area where a strong relations can be devised. It is true that South Korea has taken advantage of big Indian market particularly after the economic reforms were initiated in 1991in the country. Immediately after the introduction of LPG model in the country automobile industry of the South Korea decided to enter the Indian automobile market. The success story of Hyundai is a noteworthy case study besides at present the major Korean conglomerates (Chaebols) such as Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have made significant investments into India, estimated at $2.6 billion, till September 2012.20 These companies have capitalized the Indian market in a highly profitable manner. Samsung Galaxy stormed the Indian market with noteworthy earning. This fact testify the that India is profitable destination for the South Korean companies due to existence of high percentage of young population and a robust middle class in the country. Still gaps remain, South Korea has not contributed significantly in the FDI inflow in India.Its standing is still not noteworthy. According to a GOI report South Korea ranks 13th (in FDI inflow), Percentage share of total FDI inflows:is 0.65%, Total FDI Inflows from South Korea are US$ 1.16billion, Top sectors that attracted FDI equity inflows (from April 2000 to August 2012) , from South Korea , are: Metallurgical Industries (24%),Prime Mover (Other Than Electrical Generators) (11%),Machine Tools (9%),Electronics (6%),Automobile Industry (6%) TOP FDI EQUITY INFLOWS RECEIVED: (from April 2000 to August 2012, from foreign companies, into Indian companies from South Korea ),Posco,Tae Hyun Jeongl & Posco,Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd.Miraeasset Investment Management Co Ltd,Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.,Doosan Heavy
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Industries & Constrn Co Ltd,Korea Western Power Co. Ltd,Hundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd,Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd,Lanco Intratech Ltd.21 Hence a vital scope still exists where South Korea can capitalize. One such identified area is infrastructure. India has planned in significant manner to develop and upgrade its infrastructure. In this respect the 12th Five year plan has outlined strategies. According to 12th Five year plan prepared by Planning Commission, the highest body in the country on planned economic development,gives an idea about the infrastructure status and how this can be improved . The strategy for the Twelfth Plan encourages private sector participation directly as well as through various forms of PPPs, wherever desirable. [and] The total public sector investment in infrastructure envisaged in the Twelfth Plan is 16,01,061 crore by the Centre and 12,89,762 crore by the States. Investment by the private sector, which includes PPP projects, makes up the balance of 26,83,840 crore, which is 48.14 per cent of the required investment during the Twelfth Plan, a much higher share than the anticipated 36.61 per cent during the Eleventh Plan.
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It suggests that India is interested to carry on the speedy development in the field of infrastructure. It has identified many areas where it wants the PPP model even such areas as the education sector have been included under this list. This gives a greater opportunity to the South Korea to participate in effective manner. It can participate in this project by capital goods contribution or by providing the expertise where it has achieved such status. As for example India has aimed to improve on the ports. It has willed to adopt the PPP model for this purpose. The government has encouraged private sector participation in port development and operations. Foreign direct investment up to 100 per cent is permitted under the automatic route for port development projects. Private investment has been envisaged on PPP basis in ports of Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Vizag, Ennore, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Mumbai, JNPT and Kandla.23 South Korea can capitalize on these policy frameworks. Its Busan port is 5th container port at the global level in comparison to Indias Jawahar Lal Nehru port which stands at 34th rank at the world container port.24 South Korea needs to identify such areas where it can contribute in the development of India. These new developments offer newer opportunities to both the countries. Though feasibility and other practical considerations are also to be taken care about. Indian companies too have
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invested in South Korea. Indian investments in ROK have already exceeded $ 1 billion. Novelis, a Hindalco subsidiary, acquired a Korean aluminum company by investing about $ 600 million. Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a majority stake in SsangYong Motors, the country's 4th largest auto manufacturer, in March 2011, with an investment of about $470 million. Tata Motors acquired Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company for $ 102 million in March 2004. Other Indian co mpanies present in India include IT majors, Indian Overseas Bank etc. 25 Moreover India is an ideal manufacturing base for Korean products for exports to third country markets. The CEPA facilitates greater integration among Asian markets and offers South Korean companies a competitive edge vis-a-vis those from Japan and China. Fully appreciating the role of CEPA as catalyst to promote trade and investment, the two countries also agreed to upgrade the CEPA to make it more ambitious so that the two countries can realize the set trade target. It is hoped that the two countries will be able to achieve the new trade target ahead of its scheduled time. 26 These facts emphasize that better economic cooperation is a possibility. In the similar fashion new avenues of cooperation can be identified. Cooperation in the energy sector is such an avenue with much potential for South Korea to look towards India. South Korea is upbeat to be a major player in the world nuclear commerce. It has already swiped a massive nuclear deal with the UAE from under the nose of the French. In late 2009, Korean firms won a US$18.6 billion contract to build four atomic power plants in the UAE after beating their United States, Japanese and French rivals.3 It has not only established itself as a supplier of cheaper nuclear supplier, but more crucially, from the Indian point of view, as an alternative supply chain for nuclear reactors and its components like giant forgings. South Korean companies have the technology and ability to build the best earthquake-resistant and safe plants in India at much cheaper costs than their foreign competitors and help New Delhi meet its ambitious plan to increase nuclear energy capacity from the current 4,780 Mw to 63,000 Mw by 2032. Indias current nuclear power generation of 4,780 Mw accounts for less than 3% of the entire power generation. In contrast, South Koreas 21 reactors generate 18,716 Mw, accounting to close to 40% of the entire power generation. South Koreas civil nuclear capabilities in terms of nuclear power plant construction, management, maintenance and safety practices are world class. For India, a civil nuclear cooperation with South Korea will be cost effective, reliable and
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equipped with world-class safety measures. For South Korea, it will give a major boost to its nuclear industry.27 Thus in political and economic territory there exist a strong causative factors for both countries to move closer. This is necessary in order to remain strength full in the current age where power configuration is bound to change in due course of time owing to financial. economic, military or any non traditional threats as climate change etc. The realization of such enhanced cooperation can be speeded up if cultural factor is taken note of. People to people contact is an important component in it. For this purpose the tourism can be increased between both the countries. India and South Korea both have religious bonding. They have not exploited this aspect. The relationship between Buddhism and religious tourism has increasingly become an important topic with diverse academic fields. Across Asia, locations and physical sites associated with Buddhism or the historical Buddha are now part of tourism circuits, and recent tourism developments have contributed to the revitalization of Buddhist sites.28 The potential of such religious tourism from South Korea has not been fully tapped. India can offer many Buddhist sites for the South Korean pilgrims and tourists. At present South Korea is paying attention to improve its tourism sector. Its main tourist arrival is from China. India too offers similar possibilities where a big middle class has started to spend their holidays in the foreign land. Singapore for example offers a cheap destination for Indians. South Korea can capitalize on this fact. South Korea may emerge a new destination for Indian tourists as it is still untrodden country for most of the Indians. In this respect the visa facility can be smoothened. Indian tourists can be brought in the Visa exemption list by South Korea. India too offers the Visa on arrival scheme to eleven countries which include the Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia. India too can put South Korea in this list or even can initiate the process of the Visa exemption. People to people contact can be increased by teaching and related activities. At present Korean language teaching is done in three universities JNU, DU, Madras University in India. JNU has signed MoUs of cooperation with several universities in Korea including Yonsei University,
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Korea University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Pusan University of Foreign Studies. Delhi University also has an understanding with Korea University. (and) Two South Korean Universities viz. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, and Pusan University of Foreign Studies in Busan also have Indian Studies Department.29 But these are quite less if closer people to people contact has to increase. In India at present many South Koreans are learning Hindi to improve their managerial communication skill. South Koreans it seems are the foreigners most eager to pick up Hindi and they want to do it fast. The majority of students enrolled for the short-term Hindi courses at Delhi University are South Koreans. Reason? Great job prospects in India with Korean majors Samsung, LG and Hyundai.30 This is a major development. It can be used at the South Korean level where Hindi and other Indian languages can be taught. This may help the generation next to come closer to India. In India too Korean language can be introduced in the same manner as Chinese has been introduced at the intermediate XIIth CBSE board level. Language proficiency may increase the cross cultural interaction in more positive manner. People to people contact may be improved by adopting certain other measures which may include propagation of and organization of certain country specific festivals, availability of the literary books, media interaction by providing the partner country news in more increased manner. Conclusion It is now proved that India and South Korea both have convergence of interest in more intensive manner than appears from outside in explicit manner. It is therefore essential that both must recognize the importance of the other in their foreign policy. The bilateral economic cooperation in the form of CEPA is noteworthy development in this respect but closer cooperation at many other level particularly at the level of political interaction and at the cultural level have remained deficient.

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Thre most important need in this respect be to understood by both the countries is to improve upon the people to people contact. They have a strong background of the cultural bond. This needs to be rekindled in the most effective manner. If this aspect is dealt in a successful manner, it is quite possible that political and economic aspect of the bilateral relationship will find strong boost. Hence there are two major recommendations: First both countries need to realize that both have convergence of interest in political, international and economic level. Second cultural interaction with emphasis on the people to people contact is very much needed. This is the most important foundation on which the political-economic relations can be built upon in more effective manner.

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