South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is preparing for a significant diplomatic journey that will take him to India and Vietnam later this month, marking a historic moment in international relations.
The presidential trip, scheduled from April 19 through April 24, begins in New Delhi following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to presidential adviser Wi Sung-lac during a Thursday briefing reported on the Blue House website.
This marks the first time a South Korean head of state has visited India in eight years, with a formal summit planned for April 20. Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to focus on collaborative efforts in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors.
A major business component will accompany the diplomatic mission, with Lee participating in a roundtable discussion featuring corporate leaders from both nations. Industry sources tell Yonhap that approximately 200 executives will form an economic delegation for the journey.
The Federation of Korean Industries will manage the India portion of the trip, organizing business forums, leadership meetings, and the execution of memoranda of understanding. Meanwhile, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry will handle the Vietnam segment.
High-profile corporate executives are expected to join the Vietnam delegation, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, according to Yonhap reporting.
Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, and LG Group leaders are also anticipated to participate in the India delegation.
Both the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries chose not to provide comments regarding the arrangements.
Wi explained that South Korea aims to strengthen cooperation with India on energy supply chain matters during these uncertain global times, though he did not provide specific details. The president also hopes to address challenges South Koreans face with immigration and residency processes in India.
India represents a crucial market for South Korea’s largest corporations. Hyundai Motor is working toward an annual production goal of 1.5 million vehicles there and successfully listed an Indian subsidiary on the local stock exchange in 2024.
Both Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics maintain manufacturing operations in India, with LG having listed its Indian division on the domestic stock market last year.
Following the India visit, Lee will continue to Hanoi on April 21, where he will meet with Vietnam’s top leader To Lam on April 22.
The Vietnam discussions will address advancing relationships in energy, global supply chains, and critical minerals, while Lee will also work to strengthen cultural connections between the nations, Wi noted.
During Lam’s Seoul visit in August 2025, the leaders reached an agreement to grow bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030, with Hanoi expressing support for increased South Korean business investment.
