Issue Brief

Institute for Future Strategy Issue Brief Vol. 51
“Korea–India Strategic Partnership 2.0: Integrating Talent, Technology, and Security”

This issue brief argues for the need to reconceptualize cooperation between Korea and India—both of which face strategic risks such as shifts in the global order and intensifying technological competition—beyond the level of simple economic collaboration and toward a strategic partnership.

It also points out that, despite significant potential for cooperation, actual collaboration between the two countries remains limited. On this basis, the brief demonstrates the need to transform Korea–India relations into a “strategic partnership” that integrates talent, technology, and security. Furthermore, it proposes redefining India not merely as a market but as a long-term strategic partner, while Korea should also move beyond the role of a narrow technology provider toward a more complementary partnership framework.

In particular, the brief proposes a new cooperation model centered on combining Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities with India’s human capital and market potential. This includes the development of Capability Chains, which establish cooperative systems across the full value cycle—from joint research and development to global commercialization—and People Chains, which are based on knowledge sharing and the institutional linkage of human capital. Through this framework, the brief highlights the need to transition from transactional and fragmented cooperation toward a sustainable cooperation ecosystem.

In addition, the brief presents concrete policy recommendations to deepen the Korea–India partnership, focusing on three core strategies: building a Korea–India talent alliance through expanded joint degrees and research collaboration; strengthening science and technology–based capability chains centered on future strategic technologies; and establishing a strategic cooperation framework linking security and technology.