Korean President Lee Jae-myung Visits India: Hopes to Jointly Maintain Security of Strait of Hormuz
Amidst the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20% of global oil and gas, is under threat of blockade, leading to global energy shortages and emerging economic and livelihood issues. Korean President Lee Jae-myung, in an interview with The Times of India, discussed South Korea's energy needs, similar to India's high reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, and how cooperation between the two countries could jointly maintain its passage, minimize the impact of the Middle East crisis on the global economy and energy security, and further reduce global supply chain risks.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 12:56
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Amidst the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for 20% of global energy products such as oil and natural gas, faces the risk of blockade, leading to global energy shortages and emerging issues concerning livelihoods and the economy.
In an interview with The Times of India, Lee Jae-myung discussed South Korea's energy needs, which, like India's, are highly dependent on the Strait of Hormuz. He addressed how South Korea would cooperate with India to jointly maintain the smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz, minimize the impact of the Middle East crisis on the global economy and energy security, and further reduce global supply chain risks.
Lee Jae-myung stated that both South Korea and India rely heavily on the Middle East for a significant portion of their energy, including oil and natural gas. Therefore, ensuring the safety of maritime routes (through the Strait of Hormuz) is crucial for the safety of their people and the survival of their nations.
He mentioned that South Korea will maintain close communication with India to ensure that all vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely and freely. "We will continue to work hard in relevant international forums to jointly uphold this commitment."
Lee Jae-myung pointed out that another task that South Korea and India must jointly accomplish is to realize energy supply diversification. Amidst growing global economic uncertainty, both countries are expected to engage in forward-looking strategic cooperation to enhance their mutual interests.
The Economic Times noted that South Korea holds a global leading position in key areas such as trade, technology, critical minerals, defense, and shipbuilding. Lee Jae-myung also shared his vision for establishing a special strategic partnership between South Korea and India in these fields.
Lee Jae-myung highlighted that the partnership between South Korea and India is built not only on a highly complementary economic foundation but also on shared core values such as democracy and market economy.
Lee Jae-myung stated that with the intensification of geopolitical uncertainties and the increasing challenges faced by multilateralism, South Korea and India need to cooperate more closely than ever before. He expressed hope that negotiations would be accelerated to expand cooperation beyond the electronics and automotive industries into shipbuilding, finance, and defense industries.
Additionally, Lee Jae-myung mentioned that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, as South Korea possesses world-class AI infrastructure while India has a vast pool of AI talent, "naturally making us partners."
Regarding cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Lee Jae-myung believes that both sides should further expand their interactions. He thinks that this is the cornerstone of bilateral relations. By integrating India's rich cultural resources, including Bollywood, with South Korea's globally influential Hallyu culture, greater impact can be created.
President Lee Jae-myung's six-day state visit began with India as the first stop. After arriving in New Delhi on the 19th, he is scheduled to hold leader-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Modi today to discuss cooperation in shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence, and military industries. Lee Jae-myung will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on the 21st and is scheduled to hold talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on the 22nd. The visit is tentatively scheduled to end on the 24th. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150420.
In an interview with The Times of India, Lee Jae-myung discussed South Korea's energy needs, which, like India's, are highly dependent on the Strait of Hormuz. He addressed how South Korea would cooperate with India to jointly maintain the smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz, minimize the impact of the Middle East crisis on the global economy and energy security, and further reduce global supply chain risks.
Lee Jae-myung stated that both South Korea and India rely heavily on the Middle East for a significant portion of their energy, including oil and natural gas. Therefore, ensuring the safety of maritime routes (through the Strait of Hormuz) is crucial for the safety of their people and the survival of their nations.
He mentioned that South Korea will maintain close communication with India to ensure that all vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely and freely. "We will continue to work hard in relevant international forums to jointly uphold this commitment."
Lee Jae-myung pointed out that another task that South Korea and India must jointly accomplish is to realize energy supply diversification. Amidst growing global economic uncertainty, both countries are expected to engage in forward-looking strategic cooperation to enhance their mutual interests.
The Economic Times noted that South Korea holds a global leading position in key areas such as trade, technology, critical minerals, defense, and shipbuilding. Lee Jae-myung also shared his vision for establishing a special strategic partnership between South Korea and India in these fields.
Lee Jae-myung highlighted that the partnership between South Korea and India is built not only on a highly complementary economic foundation but also on shared core values such as democracy and market economy.
Lee Jae-myung stated that with the intensification of geopolitical uncertainties and the increasing challenges faced by multilateralism, South Korea and India need to cooperate more closely than ever before. He expressed hope that negotiations would be accelerated to expand cooperation beyond the electronics and automotive industries into shipbuilding, finance, and defense industries.
Additionally, Lee Jae-myung mentioned that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, as South Korea possesses world-class AI infrastructure while India has a vast pool of AI talent, "naturally making us partners."
Regarding cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Lee Jae-myung believes that both sides should further expand their interactions. He thinks that this is the cornerstone of bilateral relations. By integrating India's rich cultural resources, including Bollywood, with South Korea's globally influential Hallyu culture, greater impact can be created.
President Lee Jae-myung's six-day state visit began with India as the first stop. After arriving in New Delhi on the 19th, he is scheduled to hold leader-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Modi today to discuss cooperation in shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence, and military industries. Lee Jae-myung will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on the 21st and is scheduled to hold talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on the 22nd. The visit is tentatively scheduled to end on the 24th. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150420.