Lee Jae Myung is set to visit India and Vietnam in the coming days, as Seoul moves to secure energy supplies and strengthen strategic partnerships amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
India Visit Focused on Energy and Strategic Ties
Lee will depart on Sunday for a three-day visit to India, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
According to South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, the leaders are expected to reaffirm close coordination on energy supply chains in light of global disruptions.
The talks will also aim to boost cooperation in key sectors such as shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and defence. Both sides are expected to lay the groundwork for doubling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
Regional security, including peace on the Korean Peninsula, will also be part of the discussions.
Vietnam Leg to Strengthen Economic Cooperation
Following his India visit, Lee will travel to Hanoi, where he will meet Vietnamese leader To Lam.
The discussions will focus on enhancing strategic and economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as energy security, supply chain resilience, and critical minerals.
Vietnam remains South Korea’s third-largest trading partner, with both countries targeting $150 billion in annual trade in the coming years.
Energy Security Amid Global Tensions
The visits come at a time when South Korea faces increasing risks to its energy supply due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
The tensions escalated after recent US-Israeli actions against Iran, prompting Tehran to restrict access through the strait, impacting global energy flows.
To mitigate risks, Seoul recently announced plans to secure over 270 million barrels of crude oil through alternative routes unaffected by the disruption.
Broader Economic Engagement
In addition to bilateral engagements, South Korea is also planning economic talks with China next week to ensure trade stability amid global uncertainties, according to reports.
Lee’s multi-nation visit underscores Seoul’s efforts to diversify energy sources, strengthen economic partnerships, and navigate the challenges posed by the evolving geopolitical landscape.
