Korean parliamentary delegation calls on Rajya Sabha deputy Chairman Harivansh

A parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Korea , led by Mr. Lee Hack-Young, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, called on Shri Harivansh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha , at Parliament House on Thursday.

During the meeting, Shri Harivansh said that India and the Republic of Korea are strong and progressive democracies with a long-standing tradition of parliamentary exchanges. He noted that regular dialogue between legislators has played a crucial role in strengthening the India–Korea Special Strategic Partnership , by ensuring continuity and deeper mutual understanding beyond executive-level engagements.

Highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of bilateral cooperation , Shri Harivansh said the partnership spans trade and investment, defence, culture and people-to-people ties , anchored in shared commitments to democracy, rule of law, global peace and prosperity. He underlined the role of parliamentarians in translating shared political vision into concrete policy outcomes and sustained cooperation .

Referring to historical and cultural linkages, Shri Harivansh recalled the matrimonial alliance between Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Gimhae , describing it as a symbol of deep-rooted civilisational ties between the two nations. He also noted that in 2011, the Republic of Korea installed a statue of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Seoul to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary.

Recalling Tagore’s poem ‘Lamp of the East’, written in 1929 in tribute to Korea’s past and future, Shri Harivansh observed that such literary and cultural connections continue to resonate strongly in the Republic of Korea, reflecting enduring goodwill towards India.

Expressing satisfaction over the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment , Shri Harivansh said trade between the two countries has reached approximately USD 27 billion . He highlighted the strong presence of Korean companies in India, noting that Hyundai, Samsung and LG have become household names across the country.

Emphasising the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering people-centric and durable ties, Shri Harivansh assured the visiting delegation of his full support in further strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation. He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue would help realise the full potential of India–Republic of Korea relations and wished the delegation a pleasant and fruitful stay in India.

Members of Parliament Smt. Rekha Sharma, Shri Muzibulla Khan and Dr. Parmar Jashvantsinh Salamsinh , along with Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha , and senior officials from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of External Affairs, were present on the occasion.