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Advancing India-South Korea defence innovation ties
The India-South Korea defence relationship spans diplomatic ties from 1973 through a series of defence accords, culminating in 2026 with the KIND-X defence innovation platform announced at the bilateral summit. The timeline includes key milestones like the 2005 MoU on Defence Industry and Logistics, 2010 defence cooperation and defence R&D MOUs, the 2020 Defence Industries Cooperation Roadmap, and a 2024 briefing outlining KIND-X. The development signals a move toward deeper R&D, co-development, and cross-border innovation in defence technologies.
Why It Matters
KIND-X represents a structured framework to accelerate cross-border defence innovation, potentially expanding dual-use technologies, testing facilities, and joint ventures across academia, startups, and industry, aligned with national defence visions.
Timeline
8 Events
KIND-X announced at India-South Korea Summit
April 20, 2026
A new defence innovation platform called the Korea-India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X) was announced at the India-South Korea Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae Myung.
MEA briefing outlines KIND-X alignment with Roadmap
April 20, 2024
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a special briefing stating that KIND-X is expected to align with the 2020 Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation.
Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation expands engagement
2020
The 2020 Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation expanded engagements into land, naval, aero, and guided weapon systems, with investments and technology transfer in India’s defence industrial corridors.
Special Strategic Partnership elevated
2015
In 2015, the partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Five-year MOU on defence R&D signed
2010
A separate five-year MOU on defence R&D in 2010 focused on emerging technologies such as marine, electronics, and intelligent systems through links between India’s DRDO and the South Korean defence industry.
Five-year MOU on defence cooperation signed
2010
Two five-year memoranda of understanding on defence cooperation were signed in 2010 to promote exchanges of expertise, training, visits, and joint exercises.
MoU on Defence Industry and Logistics signed
2005
The first formal agreement, the 2005 MoU on Defence Industry and Logistics, promoted cooperation in production, research and development, and procurement.
Diplomatic relations established between India and South Korea
1973
India and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1973, laying the groundwork for long-standing defence ties.