1.   Multifaceted India - South Korea relations are on a roll, having acquired great vibrancy and synergies in the recent period. The decision to elevate our ties to the level of Strategic Partnership, taken during the landmark visit to India, of President Lee Myung-bak in January 2010 and operationalization of bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with effect from 1 Jan 2010, have proven to be watershed events. The return State visit of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil to Seoul in July 2011 and that of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in March 2012, have further consolidated the engagement process.

2.   It is heartening that bilateral trade surged 70% in two years, to over $ 20.5 billion by end 2011. Billions of dollars in investments have flown in both directions and the ground has been paved to take trade to $ 40 billion by 2015. The Indian Chamber of Commerce in ROK (ICCK) is playing an active role in promoting business between India and ROK.  (http://www.indochamkorea.org/)

3.   Our ties are being nurtured by regular high level exchanges and close people to people contacts. This Embassy issued over 79,000 visas in 2012, of which 36% were long term multi-entry visas. Collection of visa applications have been outsourced to BLS Service Korea Co, Seoul (http://www.blsindiavisa.kr/  and 1600-9984) to provide quick, friendly and efficient visa services. The Embassy of India and BLS stand ready to effect further improvements and welcome feedback at  or   or  

4.   To boost bilateral security and defense ties, a Military Wing was established at the Embassy in Oct 2012, which is headed by a full Colonel of the Indian army.

5.   Given the keen interest of our Korean friends in Indian cultural traditions, an Indian Cultural Centre (http://indoculture.org/) became operational in Seoul in 2011. It offers regular Yoga, Kathak and Hindi classes, besides holding a variety of cultural events throughout the year.

6.   Indians are also invited to join the Annapurna Indian Women’s Club, Seoul, functioning under the patronage of the Embassy, (http://annapurnaseoul.blogspot.com) which provides an excellent forum for Indians to meet, network and celebrate the best of our traditions.

7.   2013 is the 40th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Korea. Both nations are planning a series of commemorative events to celebrate the important milestone in our ties.

8.   Finally on behalf of members of the Mission and my own, I would like to invite all friends - Korean, international and Indian - to avail of a range of services and facilitation offered by this Embassy. Please feel free to contact the concerned member (s) of the Mission as per details given in the website. (https://indembassy.or.kr/EmbassyOfficials.html)  

With my Best Wishes to each and every one of you

 

 

Vishnu Prakash
January 2013