New Delhi | April 20, 2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Monday. The solemn gesture highlighted the deepening diplomatic and cultural ties between India and South Korea.

During the visit, President Lee laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. He observed a moment of silence, reflecting respect for Gandhi’s legacy of peace, non-violence, and global harmony.

Ceremonial Welcome Marks High-Level Visit

Earlier in the day, President Lee received a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The reception marked the second day of his official three-day state visit to India.

Droupadi Murmu and Narendra Modi personally welcomed the visiting dignitary. The ceremony featured traditional performances and children waving the national flags of both countries, creating a vibrant and warm atmosphere.

Visit Highlights Strong India–South Korea Relations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as a major milestone in strengthening the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. The relationship between the two countries continues to expand across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, and cultural exchange.

President Lee’s visit reflects a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and explore new opportunities in emerging areas.

Early Diplomatic Engagements Begin

Soon after arriving in New Delhi on Sunday, President Lee began his diplomatic engagements. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra.

Later, S Jaishankar met President Lee to discuss bilateral ties. He expressed optimism about further strengthening relations between the two nations.

Jaishankar highlighted the importance of collaboration across various sectors and appreciated President Lee’s commitment to enhancing cooperation.Key Talks with PM Modi on Strategic Sectors

President Lee is scheduled to hold extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. These discussions are expected to focus on:

Trade and investment partnerships
Semiconductor and AI development
Shipbuilding and manufacturing
Emerging technologies and innovation
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges

Additionally, both leaders will exchange views on regional and global issues, further strengthening strategic coordination.

Strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership

India and South Korea share a strong and evolving relationship based on democratic values and mutual respect. The partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015.

Since then, cooperation has expanded in areas such as:

Infrastructure development
Defence collaboration
Technology innovation
Economic growth

President Lee’s visit aims to build on this foundation and take the partnership to the next level.

State Banquet and Official Meetings Scheduled

As part of the visit, President Lee will meet President Droupadi Murmu later in the day. A state banquet will be hosted in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi will host a formal lunch following bilateral talks. These engagements reflect the importance India places on strengthening ties with South Korea.

Continued High-Level Engagement Between Leaders

The visit follows a series of high-level meetings between the two leaders in 2025. Prime Minister Modi and President Lee met during:

The G20 Summit in Johannesburg
The G7 Summit in Canada

These interactions have helped build strong personal and diplomatic rapport, paving the way for deeper cooperation.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance of Rajghat Visit

The visit to Rajghat holds deep symbolic importance. Foreign leaders often pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi as a mark of respect for India’s values of peace and non-violence.

By honoring Gandhi, President Lee reinforced shared ideals between India and South Korea. These values continue to guide both nations in their global engagements.

President Lee Jae-myung’s tribute at Rajghat and his ongoing visit to India mark a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The visit combines cultural respect with strategic dialogue, highlighting a comprehensive partnership.

As discussions progress, both countries aim to expand cooperation in key sectors and address global challenges together. This visit is expected to further solidify the India–South Korea relationship and open new avenues for collaboration.