During the recent State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to India (19-21 April, 2026), both countries announced a Joint Strategic Vision for implementing and adding further content to the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in the next five years (2026-2030).

Despite a strong Special Strategic Partnership, India and South Korea face several bottlenecks that limit the full realisation of their economic and strategic potential.

Trade and Economic Constraints
Bilateral trade remains below potential, partly due to issues in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Concerns over market access, trade imbalances, and regulatory barriers hinder deeper economic integration.

Regulatory and Business Environment
Complex procedures, policy unpredictability, and delays in clearances in India discourage Korean investments. Differences in business culture and compliance standards also create operational challenges.

Limited Strategic Convergence
While both support a free Indo-Pacific, their strategic priorities differ, leading to limited coordination in regional and global forums.

Addressing these bottlenecks - through policy reforms and stronger strategic alignment - is essential to unlock the full potential of India-South Korea ties.