President Lee Jae Myung has set off for India and Vietnam on a two-nation journey, with a focus on stabilizing supply chains amidst global energy market uncertainties arising from the Middle East conflict. In New Delhi, he is scheduled to engage in summit discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their third face-to-face meeting following previous interactions at the G7 and G20 summits last year.
The summit agenda is anticipated to emphasize enhancing economic collaboration in sectors like shipbuilding, maritime industries, artificial intelligence, and defense. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac highlighted the importance of coordinating responses to energy supply chain challenges associated with the Middle East situation during the talks. President Lee also plans to participate in a business forum aimed at identifying new prospects and supporting Korean companies operating in India, a vital production center and significant market for Korean electronics and automakers.
Subsequently, President Lee will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, for a state visit, where discussions with To Lam, Vietnam’s president and general secretary of the Communist Party, are expected to prioritize cooperation on energy supply chains and critical minerals. This visit will mark President Lee as the first foreign leader to visit Vietnam since To Lam assumed the state presidency earlier this month, consolidating his authority by holding the country’s top two positions.
During his visit, President Lee is scheduled to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, along with attending a business forum to explore avenues for enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. The trip aims to strengthen strategic partnerships with rapidly growing economies and expand South Korea’s diplomatic influence, as per National Security Adviser Wi.
