TURKISH CENTER  for ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (front, L) greets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (front, R) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 22, 2025, during the Group of 20 (G20) summit, in this file photo provided by the G20 Organizing Committee. 

​SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with newly appointed Indian Ambassador to South Korea Gourangalal Das on Wednesday to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation, officials said.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed on the need to strengthen the foundation for expanding economic and trade ties by improving the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and pledged to maintain close communication to resume negotiations to upgrade the CEPA at an early date, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Yeo asked for India's support for South Korean companies operating in the country, noting that they continue to face non-tariff barriers and other challenges. More than 670 Korean firms, including Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Electronics Inc., currently operate in the South Asian nation.

"India is a key country in the region and one of South Korea's most important economic partners. I hope the two countries will deepen their cooperation by creating new economic achievements in shipbuilding, critical minerals and other high-potential sectors," Yeo said.

In response, Das said he would work actively to further advance bilateral economic and trade cooperation during his tenure, according to the ministry.​​

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By Oh Seok-min

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Source: Yonhap News Agency

Trade minister meets new Indian envoy in Seoul for talks on economic, trade ties

December 10, 2025