Amid escalating US-Iran frictions, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for unified action with India to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to the Times of India in a written interview before his summit with PM Narendra Modi, Lee warned of the dire consequences of disrupted oil flows from the Middle East.
Global oil prices have surged due to fears of complete blockade in this indispensable shipping corridor. Supply chains for essential industrial materials are fraying, hitting energy-import dependent nations like South Korea and India hardest. “Securing these maritime routes is vital for our peoples’ safety and our nations’ survival,” Lee declared.
He outlined a roadmap for collaboration: multilateral initiatives to diversify energy supplies, close bilateral dialogues for safe passage, and joint advocacy in international arenas. Lee also spotlighted opportunities in critical minerals, urging a shift from outdated import models.
“Merging Korea’s tech prowess with India’s resource sector can create stable essential-mineral chains,” he proposed. The partnership agenda broadens to AI, defense, shipping, and shipbuilding—beyond legacy sectors like electronics and autos.
This strategic alignment comes at a crucial juncture, as both countries seek to insulate their economies from supply disruptions. President Lee’s vision positions Indo-Korean ties as a bulwark against global volatility, with the Modi summit poised to operationalize these ambitions into concrete actions.
