India and the Republic of Korea : Engaged Democracies

Examining the underlying logic of the strategic and economic partnership between the Republic of Korea and India, this book is the first detailed study of the numerous facets ― cultural, economic, people-to-people, and strategic ― of blossoming relations between two major Asian democracies. This comprehensive survey documents the interaction between the two governments, relying on facts and hitherto unpublished original records provided by India’s Ministry of External Affairs; offers an illuminating account of India’s active role as a neutral party in the post-Second World War events of the Korean War and the division of the Korean Peninsula; and provides a vision of the future direction of India–Korea relations. The author also shares candid observations of Korean society and its people during his service as Ambassador of India in Seoul. The work will be useful to policy makers as well as students of politics and international relations, strategic studies, economics, and contemporary world history. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Abbreviations Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1. Legends and Myths 2. Korea and India: The Beginning 3. Korea after World War II 4. Period of Apathy (1953—72) 5. Period of Increasing Interaction (1973—92) 6. Blossoming of Relations (1993—2003) 7. Evolution towards a Strategic Partnership (2003—12) 8. Evolution of Trade and Economic Relations 9. People-to-People Relations 10. Education, Research and Training 11. Indo-Korean Cultural Relations 12. The Way Ahead Epilogue Annexures Bibliography About the Author Index A comprehensive account of the evolution of relations between India and the Republic of Korea from ancient times to their present 'strategic partnership', this book presents well-researched facts based on official records and cogent analyses in the context of India's Look East Policy and the dynamics of multilateral relations in East Asia. Skand R. Tayal. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 273-278) And Index.