India and South Korea are exploring possibilities for partnership in defence production under the 'Make in India' campaign and this issue figured prominently during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's talks in Seoul with South Korean political leadership and captains of industry.
On a four-day visit to South Korea ending Saturday, Parrikar stressed the need for joint production of weapon systems and both sides agreed to have "deep partnership" between the industries of two countries, officials said here on Saturday. South Korea has one of the world's largest shipbuilding facilities besides industries manufacturing high end electronic warfare systems besides trainer aircraft
Parrikar held extensive talks with Admiral Choi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Minister Chang of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), National Security Advisor(NSA) Kim Kwan-jin besides Defence Minister Han Min-koo for forging strategic ties.
During the meeting with Admiral Choi, the two sides discussed existing bilateral defence relations and recognised that the relationship was one in which there are no obstacles to realising the significant potential for military-to-military ties.
In the meeting with Minister Chang, the two sides agreed that their shared perspectives on regional and international issues created a firm foundation for cooperation in defence production, research and development.
Parrikar emphasised that in recognition of the importance India attaches to Korea as a partner, he had chosen to make South Korea destination for his first visit under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Both sides agreed to enhance their efforts to develop mutually-beneficial partnerships in defence production.
The two Defence Ministers focussed in particular on ways of expanding contact between the defence establishments on both sides, and ways of building deep partnerships between Indian and Korean defence industries, officials said.
Highlighting the vast business potential, Parrikar at the India-Korea Defence Industry Forum said that the Indian defence industry was likely to see $250 billion worth of business over the next decade as India modernised its defence systems and industries.
Outlining the policy changes initiated by the NDA Government to facilitate investment in the defence sector, the Defence Minister said the time had come for Korean defence firms to take advantage of the high brand value enjoyed by Korean-made produts in India, and to enter the defence market as partners for the long-term.