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India, South Korea ink two MOUs to boost defence cooperation | India and South Korea on Friday inked two landmark Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to give a huge boost to strategic defence cooperation between the two nations. The two
MoUs were signed in the presence of Defence Minister A K Antony and his South
Korean counterpart Kim Tae-young in Seoul . The first MoU envisages an exchange
of defence-related experience and information, a mutual exchange of visits by
military personnel and experts, including civilian staff associated with the defence
services, military education and training and the conduct of military exercises.
It also envisages an exchange of visits of ships and aircraft, as jointly decided
between the two countries. The MoU aims to promote cooperation in humanitarian
assistance and international peace keeping activities, and will remain valid for
five years with a provision for extension for five more years. The Second MoU
signed by the Chief Controller of Research and Development of DRDO, Dr Prahlada
and Vice Commissioner, Defence Acquisition and Procurement Agency (DAPA) of South
Korea, Kwon Oh Bong will seek to identify futuristic defence technology areas
of mutual interest and pursuing of research and development works in both countries.
Co- development and co-production of defence products with Indian industry through
DRDO are also envisaged. There will be joint IPR on all the products developed
through this mechanism. Some areas of immediate interest e.g., marine systems,
electronics and intelligent systems have been identified as priority tasks. Speaking
on the occasion, Antony said he hoped his visit will start a new chapter in the
relationship between the two nations. " New Delhi will be happy to see the defence
industry relationship to be more than a buyer-seller relationship and its further
evolution into transfer of technology, joint production and joint research and
development," said Antony . "The two MoUs signed today will provide a win-win
scenario for the two countries in a number of areas," said Kim Tae-young. The
talks between the two countries covered a wide range of security issues- both
regional and global. " India and South Korea share common perception of maintaining
peace as well as ensuring safety and security of sea lanes of communication in
the region. He said regular exchanges towards ensuring maritime security is important
to both countries, especially in securing vital energy supplies that pass through
the Indian Ocean," said Antony . "It is of particular importance for like- minded
countries working in the Gulf of Aden to coordinate efforts and also exchange
information on the happenings in the area. We look forward to continued and enhanced
cooperation between the navies of India and South Korea in this regard'," he added.
Commenting on the regional security scenario in the Indian subcontinent, Antony
said: "We live in a troubled neighbourhood. ' Some call it a fragile region. We
have to maintain balance and restraint even in the face of grave challenges to
our security." ". Our intention is to develop friendly and cooperative relations
with all our neighbours so that we can focus on our major development needs',"
he added. Antony said India looks at itself as an integral part of East Asia .
" India is a founding member of East Asia Summit and as such, looks at the emerging
architecture in East Asia as open and inclusive. 'That is why we welcome the decision
of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to move towards the inclusion of the United States
and Russia as members of the East Asia Summit," said Antony. "We look forward
to working closely with South Korea in the emerging architecture in this part
of the world'," he added. This morning, Antony along with the delegation drove
down to the National Cemetery in Seoul and laid a wreath there. He also inspected,
amid light drizzle, a traditional colourful inter-services guard of honour presented
by the South Korean Armed Forces on arrival at the Ministry of Defence Head quarters
During his two-day visit to South Korea , Antony is accompanied by a high-level
delegation including the Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Vice Admiral RK Dhowan, Lt General KT Parnaik, Dr. Prahlada and Sundaram Krishna. |
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