South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, marking a key moment in his three-day State Visit to India. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with First Lady Kim Hea Kyung accompanying him.
The ceremonial reception featured traditional performances and a warm welcome by children holding both the Indian Tricolour and the South Korean national flag. Following the reception, President Lee is scheduled to visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
President Lee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, where he was received at the airport by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra. Shortly after his arrival, he met members of the Korean community and expressed optimism that the upcoming India-Republic of Korea summit would serve as a “turning point” in bilateral relations.
Highlighting India’s growing global role, President Lee noted that the country has evolved into a key driver of global production and supply chains, moving beyond its earlier perception as primarily a consumer market.
During the visit, President Lee will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, shipbuilding, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other critical and emerging technologies. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues. PM Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary.
President Lee is also scheduled to meet President Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on the visiting leader on Sunday, welcoming his commitment to deepen bilateral ties.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit marks an important milestone in advancing the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. Rooted in shared democratic values and longstanding civilizational connections, both nations are aiming to expand cooperation into new and emerging domains while strengthening existing partnerships.
This is President Lee’s first visit to India and the first by a South Korean leader in over eight years, underscoring renewed momentum in ties between the two countries.
(With agency inputs)
