Asian Confluence organised a roundtable interaction with Mr Lim Sang Woo, Acting Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to India, on the theme “Building Synergies with NER India: India–Korea Cooperation in a Changing World.” Held at the Asian Confluence Centre in Shillong, the discussion brought together distinguished participants from academia, policy, media, and civil society to explore the state of India–Korea relations and identify new pathways for cooperation, particularly in Northeast India.

The discussion was moderated by the Executive Director of Asian Confluence. Shri M. P. Bezbaruah, Chairman, Governing Council, Asian Confluence, set the tone by emphasising the “tremendous resources” of Northeast India that can boost bilateral linkages. Dr Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh, Former Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, Government of India, and Advisor, Asian Confluence, underscored the popularity of Korean culture in the region, arguing for the promotion of the Korean language in the North East. Dr Ricky A. J. Syngkon, Member of Parliament, Shillong, Meghalaya, highlighted the commonalities between Korea and North East India, calling for more people-to-people engagement.

In his address, Mr Lim Sang Woo noted the long history of India-Korea ties. He highlighted the extensive presence of Korean companies in India, which contributes to a robust USD 25 billion bilateral trade. He observed that with the formation of a new government in Korea, the partnership stands poised for greater heights, and that the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) could play a pivotal role in advancing this collaboration.

Other distinguished dignitaries who contributed to the discussion included Dr. Binayak Dutta, Hon Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence; Shri. Bhogtoram Mawroh, Senior Associate, Research and Knowledge Management, NESFAS; Mr. Kang Seungrae, Official Staff, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of India; Mr. Monish Singh, Zonal Director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations; Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times; Mr. Puran Bahadur, Administrative Staff, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of India; Mr. Riewad Warjri, IFS (Retd.), Hon. Fellow, Asian Confluence; Mr. Sanjoy Hazarika, Founder, Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES); Ms. Samhita Nandi, Director Outreach Asian Confluence; Mr. Shin Wonho, Third Secretary, Crisis Management, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of India and Mr. Tombi Meitei, Additional PS to Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.

The discussions highlighted the potential for greater people-to-people engagement through education, skill development, and cultural exchange, while identifying healthcare, agro-horticulture, logistics, and entrepreneurship as promising areas for cooperation. The roundtable reflects Asian Confluence’s commitment to fostering dialogue, building cross-regional partnerships, and promoting Northeast India as a vital bridge in India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.