1. H.E. Mme. Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK), paid a State Visit to India from 15-18 January 2014, at the invitation of H.E. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of the Republic of India. The President of the ROK was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 16 January 2014. During the visit, President Park held a summit meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and will also meet President Mukherjee.

2. During the summit meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to promote bilateral relations and exchanged in-depth views on regional and international issues. Recognizing that the India-ROK partnership is based on shared values such as democracy and market economy, they expressed satisfaction with the strong development of India-ROK relations in line with the "Strategic Partnership " established in January 2010 and the expansion of ties in a wide range of areas including foreign affairs, defense, trade and investment, science & technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

3. The two leaders recognized that the development of bilateral relations has served to enhance the progress and prosperity of both countries and peoples. They also shared the view that there is large potential for further expansion of the mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields given that both countries are major economies in the region. They agreed to develop the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in a more substantial and concrete manner.

4. Considering that India-ROK ties have advanced greatly since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, the two leaders agreed to present a common vision to further promote bilateral relations in the next 40 years. To realize the vision, they agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in a wide range of areas.

5. The two leaders presented the following three elements as a common vision: stronger high level political cooperation, open economic and trade environment and deeper cultural understanding.

6. The two leaders agreed to set the following policy directions to implement the common vision; first, strengthen bilateral strategic communication channels in the political and security field; second, consolidate the institutional framework for economic cooperation and create more favorable conditions for further expansion of trade and investment; third, deepen mutual understanding by expanding cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions; and fourth, closely cooperate with each other as partners on the regional and international stages to address common challenges of mankind so as to usher in a new era of prosperity for the international community.

Political and Security Cooperation

7. The two leaders agreed to hold regular meetings, including mutual visits and meetings on the margins of international conferences and multilateral fora. They also agreed to facilitate mutual visits of Parliamentarians of the two countries and high-level officials from central and provincial governments.

8. Both sides reiterated the importance of the India-ROK Joint Commission co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries and acknowledged the necessity of holding the Joint Commission regularly. They noted with satisfaction that the 7th Joint Commission held last year provided a great opportunity to review the progress in bilateral relations in various areas. It was agreed that the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in 2014.

9. The two leaders noted with satisfaction that the Foreign Policy & Security Dialogue which has been held annually at the vice-minister level since 2010 has served as an important channel for bilateral consultation in the security area. It was agreed that the 4th meeting of the dialogue will be held in 2014. The two leaders underlined the need to expand existing bilateral security consultations and agreed to hold a regular dialogue between the national security structures of the two sides.

10. Recognizing that the India-ROK Defense Ministers' Meeting held in November 2012 has contributed to further developing bilateral defense cooperation, the two leaders agreed to continue to hold deputy defense minister level strategic dialogue on a regular basis as agreed in the Meeting. The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information, which they believe will contribute to enhancing mutual confidence and cooperation in the military field. President Park reiterated her gratitude for India's dispatch of its medical troops during the Korean War. The two leaders agreed to continue exchanges between the Armed Forces of both sides.

11. Noting that cooperation in the defense industry is essential in strengthening strategic cooperation, the two leaders agreed that the 5th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Logistics and Industry will be held during the first half of 2014. The two leaders shared the view that there is great potential for enhanced cooperation for mutual benefit in the defence industry.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

12. The two leaders greatly appreciated the potential of economic cooperation between India and ROK and agreed to make joint efforts to expand and deepen the bilateral economic relationship. The two leaders appreciated the outcomes of the 4th Finance Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi in January 2014 and desired to see their active implementation. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to exploring measures for future economic cooperation in a more comprehensive manner. In this respect, the two leaders agreed to start discussion on creating a roadmap for mid and long term economic cooperation while sharing experiences on economic policies between India and Korea. Both sides agreed to establish a CEO’s Forum which would be mandated to submit a report on further enhancing economic cooperation to the two Governments.

13. Both sides shared the view that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has contributed to enhancing trade and investment flows between the two countries. Welcoming the outcome of the Trade Ministers’ Meeting held on January 15, 2014, the two leaders reaffirmed the need to increase trade in goods and services; and investment through the upgrading of the CEPA and agreed to make every effort to complete the process at the earliest. To this end, the Trade Ministers of both sides will meet in the first half of this year in Seoul.

14. The two leaders welcomed initialing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and agreed to take necessary steps to put it into effect at an early date. They agreed to establish the "India-ROK Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Committee" at cabinet level as an expanded and restructured replacement of the current "India-ROK Joint Investment Promotion Committee." In addition, they welcomed the opening of a KOTRA office in Bangalore and a KITA office in New Delhi, hoping that both offices will serve to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

15. Noting that the expansion of mutual investment will contribute to the reciprocal economic growth of both countries, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to nurture a favorable environment for investors from both countries. In this context, they welcomed the possibility of establishing a Korean Industrial Park in the State of Rajasthan.

16. The two leaders also welcomed progress in the POSCO project in the State of Odisha including the acquisition of land, a prospecting license, and revalidation of the environmental clearance and agreed to continue to cooperate for the successful implementation of the project. The two leaders hoped that POSCO would commence work on the project at an early date. Prime Minister Singh welcomed the prospects of Korean companies participating in infrastructure building projects in India, such as electric power plants and railway construction.

17. Noting the important role of increased air flights in promoting economic, social and cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions, the two leaders agreed to revise the India-ROK Air Services Agreement at an early date in a mutually beneficial way.

18. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between relevant institutions in the area of finance to bolster bilateral economic ties and also welcomed recent initiatives like cooperation between India Infrastructure Financing Company Limited and Export-Import Bank of Korea and the proposal to establish US Dollar 200 million Interbank Export Credit Line between the State Bank of India and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

Science and Technology Cooperation

19. The two leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of science & technology. Recognizing that a Science and Technology Cooperation Fund of 10 million USD, contributed for the period 2011-2015, has been utilized to implement joint research projects in the science and technology sector, they agreed to create an additional joint fund of 10 million USD (with a contribution of 5 million USD by each side) to promote mega projects which will be conducted jointly by the industries, academia and institutes. The projects will focus on research leading to application and techno-commercialization. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic Of India and the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning of the Republic of Korea on a Joint Applied Research and Development Programme in Science and Technology.

20. Recognizing the critical role of a creative economy in promoting sustainable economic growth, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the information technology sector which is a foundation for implementing a creative economy. In this vein, they agreed to establish the India-ROK ICT Policy Forum and to hold the first Forum in 2014, in which cooperation on software and information security will be discussed. The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of the Joint Declaration on cooperation in the ICT field as well as bilateral collaboration for the development of the software industry.

21. The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Implementing Agreement Between the Indian Space Research Organization And the Korea Aerospace Research Institute For Cooperation In The Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space. Prime Minister Singh reiterated the Indian offer of launching ROK satellites on Indian Satellite Launch Vehicles on a commercial basis.

22. Referring to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Korea for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, the two leaders agreed to hold regular exchanges to expand cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector.

Social and Cultural Cooperation

23. Reaffirming that the growing people to people interactions between India and ROK is important to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, the two leaders agreed to closely cooperate to ensure the smooth implementation of the Visa Simplification Agreement concluded in 2012, with a view to making mutual visits more convenient. President Park welcomed the Government of India’s decision to provide tourist visa-on-arrival facilities to ROK nationals. The modalities would be worked out soon between the two sides. . Both leaders hoped that the newly established Consulate-General of ROK in Chennai will facilitate exchanges of people and promote business between the two countries.

24. To further deepen bilateral cultural ties, Prime Minister Singh offered to gift the people of ROK a sapling of the Bodhi Tree. President Park accepted the offer with appreciation.

25. The two leaders noted that an Indian Cultural Center in Seoul and a Korean Cultural Center in New Delhi, which were established in 2011 and 2012 respectively, have played an important role in promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries. They also recognized that the cultural events which were held in 2013 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of India-ROK diplomatic ties promoted mutual understanding among the people of the two countries. . They welcomed the signing of the India-ROK Cultural Exchange Program for the period of 2014-2017 which is intended to promote cultural exchanges. They also agreed to continue to exchange students in the education sector in a more substantial way. Noting the growing interest in the Korean language in India, they welcomed Korea Foundation's decision to expand its program to support Korean language courses in Indian universities.

26. The two leaders shared the view that enhanced cooperation in promoting cultural industries such as the film industry is necessary to nurture the creative economy. They agreed to consider showcasing the films of the other party. They also welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on Cooperation between Doordarshan and Korea International Broadcasting Foundation ( Arirang TV).

Cooperation in the Regional and International Arena

27. In dealing with non-conventional security threats and the changing regional security environment that both countries are facing, the two leaders agreed to closely cooperate and consult with each other at the bilateral, regional and global level.

28. The two leaders recognized that both India and the ROK have played a significant role in regional architectures such as the EAS, ARF, ADMM+ ACD and ASEM and international fora including the UN, G20 and Nuclear Security Summit. They agreed to maintain regular consultations and close coordination in those regional and international fora to address common challenges such as climate change, disaster management and terrorism. Prime Minister Singh appreciated the ROK's signing of the MOU on the Establishment of Nalanda University, an EAS initiative proposed by India.

29. The two leaders also recognized the need for comprehensive UN reforms including Security Council expansion to make the body more representative, accountable and effective. Moreover, they agreed that the reform of the Security Council must reflect contemporary realities and include major developing countries.

30. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and agreed to enhance cooperation in this area, through information sharing. The two leaders expressed hope that the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which was under consideration at the UN, would be adopted soon.

31. The two leaders agreed to work closely to tackle new threats in cyberspace such as cyber-attacks. For this purpose, it was agreed to hold the 1st Policy Consultations on Cyberspace in 2014. The two leaders welcomed the success of the 2013 Seoul Conference on Cyberspace. In addition, they welcomed the conclusion of the MOU on Cyber Security between Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) and Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).

32. The two leaders shared their views on the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula including the objective of denuclearization. They expressed concern over the development of North Korea's nuclear weapons program which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments. In this connection, the two leaders urged North Korea to comply fully with its international obligations, including under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

33. President Park expounded on her administration’s "Trust building process on the Korean Peninsula” and the "North-East Asia Peace and Cooperative Initiative.” Prime Minister Singh appreciated her efforts to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region.

Conclusion

34. The following agreements and MOUs were signed in presence of the two leaders:

(i)  Agreement Between The Government Of The Republic Of India And The Government Of The Republic Of Korea On The Protection Of Classified Military Information.

(ii) Memorandum Of Understanding Between The Ministry Of Science And Technology Of The Republic Of India And The Ministry Of Science, ICT And Future Planning Of The Republic Of Korea On A Joint Applied Research And Development Programme In Science And Technology.

(iii) Implementing Agreement Between The Indian Space Research Organization And The Korea Aerospace Research Institute For Cooperation In The Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space.

(iv) Memorandum Of Understanding On The Establishment of Nalanda University.

(v) Cultural Exchange Programme Between The Government Of The Republic of India And The Government Of The Republic Of Korea For The Years 2014-2017.

35. The two sides agreed that the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea to India fully reflects the recent trend of expanding bilateral relations between the two countries and that this visit has provided a new impetus to further develop fruitful and future-oriented bilateral relations in the years to come.

36. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea, President Park thanked the Government and the people of India for the warm and friendly hospitality she and her delegation received. President Park extended cordial invitations to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit the Republic of Korea at a mutually convenient time.