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The Hindu Editorial • April 23, 2026 • Read Original

Common concerns: on India-South Korea ties

India and South Korea can coordinate on weathering geopolitical storms

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The Hindu Read Original
12 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on April 23, 2026

Common concerns: on India-South Korea ties

India and South Korea can coordinate on weathering geopolitical storms

India-South Korea TiesBilateral TradeSpecial Strategic PartnershipShipbuildingGeopolitical Stability
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 12
English Original

Strengthening trade and technology ties between India and Republic of Korea (South Korea) was at the top of the list of outcomes from the two-day visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Delhi and meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Simple Past S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Strengthening trade and technology ties between India and Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Making the business and technical partnership between India and South Korea more powerful
Verb What is happening
was
Existed as or represented the state of something in the past
Complement Completes meaning
at the top of the list of outcomes from the two-day visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Delhi and meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The most important result of the South Korean President’s visit and his talks with PM Modi
Context and Background
President Lee Jae Myung

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited New Delhi from April 19-21, 2026. This was the first state visit by a South Korean leader in eight years, marking a significant push for the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ and the ‘Joint Strategic Vision 2030’.

Sentence 2 of 12
English Original

The visit, eight years after the last by a South Korean President and seven since Mr. Modi’s trip to Seoul, was long overdue and focused on building futuristic ties amid the recent global turmoil.

Simple Past S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The visit, eight years after the last by a South Korean President and seven since Mr. Modi’s trip to Seoul
This trip, which happened after a long gap since both leaders last visited each other’s countries
Verb What is happening
was
Was the state of affairs at that time
Complement Completes meaning
long overdue and focused on building futuristic ties amid the recent global turmoil
Happened much later than it should have, and aimed at future-ready cooperation during world troubles
Sentence 3 of 12
English Original

The two leaders committed to taking trade levels to $50 billion by the end of the decade, launched a joint vision for the India-RoK Special Strategic Partnership, framework statements on shipbuilding and maritime logistics, energy resource security and sustainability, and signed 15 memoranda of understanding on cooperation in a number of economic areas.

Simple Past S + V1 + O1 + V2 + O2 + V3 + O3 Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The two leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae Myung
Verb What is happening
committed
Promised or agreed to do something
Object What receives action
to taking trade levels to $50 billion by the end of the decade
To increase the total value of goods bought and sold between the countries to $50 billion by 2030
Verb What is happening
launched
Started or introduced something new publicly
Object What receives action
a joint vision for the India-RoK Special Strategic Partnership, framework statements on shipbuilding and maritime logistics, energy resource security and sustainability
New official plans for working together in ships, sea transport, and energy safety
Verb What is happening
and signed
Completed official agreements by putting their signatures on documents
Object What receives action
15 memoranda of understanding on cooperation in a number of economic areas
15 official documents where they agreed to help each other in various business sectors
Context and Background
Special Strategic Partnership & CEPA

India and South Korea elevated their relationship to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015. CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) is their main trade deal, which both sides want to upgrade to reduce India’s trade deficit and reach the $50 billion target by 2030.

Sentence 4 of 12
English Original

In particular, the two nations are seeking to use Korean technology skill and India’s capacity to scale to build partnerships in critical minerals and quantum computing as they have in manufacturing heavy equipment and consumer goods; a number of Korean companies are household names in India, which has become the largest production base for many of these companies.

Present Continuous & Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O ; S + V + C Independent Clauses Compound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In particular
Especially or specifically
Subject Who/What
the two nations
India and South Korea
Verb What is happening
are seeking
Are trying or looking for ways to do something
Object What receives action
to use Korean technology skill and India’s capacity to scale to build partnerships in critical minerals and quantum computing as they have in manufacturing heavy equipment and consumer goods
To join Korea’s high-tech knowledge with India’s ability to produce things in large quantities for new areas like rare minerals and advanced computers
Subject Who/What
; a number of Korean companies
Many famous businesses from South Korea
Verb What is happening
are
Currently exist as
Complement Completes meaning
household names in India, which has become the largest production base for many of these companies
Brands that everyone in India knows well, because India is now where they make most of their products
Sentence 5 of 12
English Original

Despite the present-day successes, an ancient history dating back to Korean princess Suriratna (also known as Heo Hwang-ok) who was believed to have travelled from “Ayuta” or Ayodhya, and plans for the future, India-South Korea ties have belied their potential.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Despite the present-day successes, an ancient history dating back to Korean princess Suriratna (also known as Heo Hwang-ok) who was believed to have travelled from “Ayuta” or Ayodhya, and plans for the future
Even though they have current success, a long history from an Ayodhya princess, and future plans
Subject Who/What
India-South Korea ties
The diplomatic and economic relationship between the two countries
Verb What is happening
have belied
Have failed to fulfill or have shown to be less than expected
Object What receives action
their potential
The full possibility of how great their relationship could be
Context and Background
Princess Suriratna (Queen Heo Hwang-ok)

According to Korean legend, Princess Suriratna of ‘Ayuta’ (believed to be Ayodhya, India) travelled to Korea in 48 AD and married King Kim Suro. Millions of Koreans trace their ancestry to this royal couple, forming a deep cultural bond between the two nations.

Sentence 6 of 12
English Original

The current level of $27 billion in bilateral trade is particularly low for two economies among the world’s top 15 by GDP.

Simple Present S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The current level of $27 billion in bilateral trade
The $27 billion worth of business happening between the two countries right now
Verb What is happening
is
Represents the current situation
Complement Completes meaning
particularly low for two economies among the world’s top 15 by GDP
Very small when we consider that both countries are among the 15 richest in the world
Sentence 7 of 12
English Original

In contrast, India-Japan trade was $23 billion in 2023-24, and India-China trade is upwards of $118 billion.

Simple Past & Simple Present Adjunct + S1 + V1 + C1 + and + S2 + V2 + C2 Independent Clauses Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In contrast
On the other hand, or showing a difference
Subject Who/What
India-Japan trade
The exchange of goods and services between India and Japan
Verb What is happening
was
Existed as a specific value
Complement Completes meaning
$23 billion in 2023-24
The amount of money the trade was worth during that year
Subject Who/What
and India-China trade
The business between India and China
Verb What is happening
is
Is currently at the level of
Complement Completes meaning
upwards of $118 billion
More than 118 billion dollars
Sentence 8 of 12
English Original

Tourism and cultural metrics are also surprisingly small, and while K-pop and Korean dramas are extremely popular in India, India is yet to be fully marketed as a destination for Koreans, particularly given the historical connection.

Simple Present S + V + C + and + while clause + S + V + C Main and Concessive Clauses Compound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Tourism and cultural metrics
The numbers of people traveling between the countries and participating in cultural exchanges
Verb What is happening
are
Currently appear as
Complement Completes meaning
also surprisingly small
Unexpectedly low given the size of the countries
Adjunct Additional info
and while K-pop and Korean dramas are extremely popular in India
Even though Indian people love Korean music and TV shows very much
Subject Who/What
India
The country (India)
Verb What is happening
is
Represents the current state
Complement Completes meaning
yet to be fully marketed as a destination for Koreans, particularly given the historical connection
Has not been promoted enough to attract Korean tourists, despite the shared history between the two
Sentence 9 of 12
English Original

Clearly, the strategic part of the partnership is yet to find its center of gravity, with political coordination being the weak link.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Clearly
In a way that is easy to see or understand
Subject Who/What
the strategic part of the partnership
The long-term planning and security side of their relationship
Verb What is happening
is
Represents the current situation
Complement Completes meaning
yet to find its center of gravity
Has not yet found a stable or main focus point
Adjunct Additional info
with political coordination being the weak link
Where both governments not working together closely enough is the biggest problem
Sentence 10 of 12
English Original

In the face of the massive global shocks caused by the U.S.-supported Israeli war on Iranian territory and the threat of sea lane blockades, India and South Korea’s coordination on energy and maritime security is no longer an optional part of their relationship, but a necessity.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In the face of the massive global shocks caused by the U.S.-supported Israeli war on Iranian territory and the threat of sea lane blockades
Because of the huge world problems from the war in Iran and the danger of sea routes being closed
Subject Who/What
India and South Korea’s coordination on energy and maritime security
The way both countries work together on power supplies and sea safety
Verb What is happening
is
Current status
Complement Completes meaning
no longer an optional part of their relationship, but a necessity
Not just something they can choose to do, but something they must do to survive
Sentence 11 of 12
English Original

By 2030, India and South Korea aim to make the Special Strategic Partnership truly special and truly strategic.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
By 2030
In or before the year 2030
Subject Who/What
India and South Korea
Both the Indian and South Korean nations
Verb What is happening
aim
Have a goal or plan to achieve something
Object What receives action
to make the Special Strategic Partnership truly special and truly strategic
To ensure their high-level agreement is actually meaningful and useful in real planning
Sentence 12 of 12
English Original

The 2026 visit should have established the foundation for that future.

Modal Perfect S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The 2026 visit
The trip made by the South Korean President in the year 2026
Verb What is happening
should have established
Ought to have created or set up something firmly
Object What receives action
the foundation for that future
The basic starting point or support for the plans they made for the years ahead
Sentence 1 of 12
Sentence 1 of 12
Strengthening trade and technology ties between India and Republic of Korea (South Korea) was at the top of the list of outcomes from the two-day visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Delhi and meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Strengthening trade and technology ties between India and Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Making the business and technical partnership between India and South Korea more powerful
Verb
was
Existed as or represented the state of something in the past
Complement
at the top of the list of outcomes from the two-day visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Delhi and meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The most important result of the South Korean President’s visit and his talks with PM Modi
Sentence 2 of 12
The visit, eight years after the last by a South Korean President and seven since Mr. Modi’s trip to Seoul, was long overdue and focused on building futuristic ties amid the recent global turmoil.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The visit, eight years after the last by a South Korean President and seven since Mr. Modi’s trip to Seoul
This trip, which happened after a long gap since both leaders last visited each other’s countries
Verb
was
Was the state of affairs at that time
Complement
long overdue and focused on building futuristic ties amid the recent global turmoil
Happened much later than it should have, and aimed at future-ready cooperation during world troubles
Sentence 3 of 12
The two leaders committed to taking trade levels to $50 billion by the end of the decade, launched a joint vision for the India-RoK Special Strategic Partnership, framework statements on shipbuilding and maritime logistics, energy resource security and sustainability, and signed 15 memoranda of understanding on cooperation in a number of economic areas.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The two leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae Myung
Verb
committed
Promised or agreed to do something
Object
to taking trade levels to $50 billion by the end of the decade
To increase the total value of goods bought and sold between the countries to $50 billion by 2030
Verb
launched
Started or introduced something new publicly
Object
a joint vision for the India-RoK Special Strategic Partnership, framework statements on shipbuilding and maritime logistics, energy resource security and sustainability
New official plans for working together in ships, sea transport, and energy safety
Verb
and signed
Completed official agreements by putting their signatures on documents
Object
15 memoranda of understanding on cooperation in a number of economic areas
15 official documents where they agreed to help each other in various business sectors
Sentence 4 of 12
In particular, the two nations are seeking to use Korean technology skill and India’s capacity to scale to build partnerships in critical minerals and quantum computing as they have in manufacturing heavy equipment and consumer goods; a number of Korean companies are household names in India, which has become the largest production base for many of these companies.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In particular
Especially or specifically
Subject
the two nations
India and South Korea
Verb
are seeking
Are trying or looking for ways to do something
Object
to use Korean technology skill and India’s capacity to scale to build partnerships in critical minerals and quantum computing as they have in manufacturing heavy equipment and consumer goods
To join Korea’s high-tech knowledge with India’s ability to produce things in large quantities for new areas like rare minerals and advanced computers
Subject
; a number of Korean companies
Many famous businesses from South Korea
Verb
are
Currently exist as
Complement
household names in India, which has become the largest production base for many of these companies
Brands that everyone in India knows well, because India is now where they make most of their products
Sentence 5 of 12
Despite the present-day successes, an ancient history dating back to Korean princess Suriratna (also known as Heo Hwang-ok) who was believed to have travelled from “Ayuta” or Ayodhya, and plans for the future, India-South Korea ties have belied their potential.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Despite the present-day successes, an ancient history dating back to Korean princess Suriratna (also known as Heo Hwang-ok) who was believed to have travelled from “Ayuta” or Ayodhya, and plans for the future
Even though they have current success, a long history from an Ayodhya princess, and future plans
Subject
India-South Korea ties
The diplomatic and economic relationship between the two countries
Verb
have belied
Have failed to fulfill or have shown to be less than expected
Object
their potential
The full possibility of how great their relationship could be
Sentence 6 of 12
The current level of $27 billion in bilateral trade is particularly low for two economies among the world’s top 15 by GDP.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The current level of $27 billion in bilateral trade
The $27 billion worth of business happening between the two countries right now
Verb
is
Represents the current situation
Complement
particularly low for two economies among the world’s top 15 by GDP
Very small when we consider that both countries are among the 15 richest in the world
Sentence 7 of 12
In contrast, India-Japan trade was $23 billion in 2023-24, and India-China trade is upwards of $118 billion.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In contrast
On the other hand, or showing a difference
Subject
India-Japan trade
The exchange of goods and services between India and Japan
Verb
was
Existed as a specific value
Complement
$23 billion in 2023-24
The amount of money the trade was worth during that year
Subject
and India-China trade
The business between India and China
Verb
is
Is currently at the level of
Complement
upwards of $118 billion
More than 118 billion dollars
Sentence 8 of 12
Tourism and cultural metrics are also surprisingly small, and while K-pop and Korean dramas are extremely popular in India, India is yet to be fully marketed as a destination for Koreans, particularly given the historical connection.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Tourism and cultural metrics
The numbers of people traveling between the countries and participating in cultural exchanges
Verb
are
Currently appear as
Complement
also surprisingly small
Unexpectedly low given the size of the countries
Adjunct
and while K-pop and Korean dramas are extremely popular in India
Even though Indian people love Korean music and TV shows very much
Subject
India
The country (India)
Verb
is
Represents the current state
Complement
yet to be fully marketed as a destination for Koreans, particularly given the historical connection
Has not been promoted enough to attract Korean tourists, despite the shared history between the two
Sentence 9 of 12
Clearly, the strategic part of the partnership is yet to find its center of gravity, with political coordination being the weak link.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Clearly
In a way that is easy to see or understand
Subject
the strategic part of the partnership
The long-term planning and security side of their relationship
Verb
is
Represents the current situation
Complement
yet to find its center of gravity
Has not yet found a stable or main focus point
Adjunct
with political coordination being the weak link
Where both governments not working together closely enough is the biggest problem
Sentence 10 of 12
In the face of the massive global shocks caused by the U.S.-supported Israeli war on Iranian territory and the threat of sea lane blockades, India and South Korea’s coordination on energy and maritime security is no longer an optional part of their relationship, but a necessity.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In the face of the massive global shocks caused by the U.S.-supported Israeli war on Iranian territory and the threat of sea lane blockades
Because of the huge world problems from the war in Iran and the danger of sea routes being closed
Subject
India and South Korea’s coordination on energy and maritime security
The way both countries work together on power supplies and sea safety
Verb
is
Current status
Complement
no longer an optional part of their relationship, but a necessity
Not just something they can choose to do, but something they must do to survive
Sentence 11 of 12
By 2030, India and South Korea aim to make the Special Strategic Partnership truly special and truly strategic.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
By 2030
In or before the year 2030
Subject
India and South Korea
Both the Indian and South Korean nations
Verb
aim
Have a goal or plan to achieve something
Object
to make the Special Strategic Partnership truly special and truly strategic
To ensure their high-level agreement is actually meaningful and useful in real planning
Sentence 12 of 12
The 2026 visit should have established the foundation for that future.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The 2026 visit
The trip made by the South Korean President in the year 2026
Verb
should have established
Ought to have created or set up something firmly
Object
the foundation for that future
The basic starting point or support for the plans they made for the years ahead

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - India-South Korea Ties

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the strengthening of trade and strategic relations between India and South Korea.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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