Ranjit Kumar Dhawan

The Deepening India–South Korea Cooperation in Arms Production and Shipbuilding

India–South Korea relations are moving towards deeper engagement in strategic industries, such as arms production and shipbuilding

The Political Economy of South Korea’s Arms Trade with India: Challenges and Prospects

South Korea’s rapid rise as a manufacturing powerhouse and a leading export-oriented economy was made possible due to the active role of the ‘developmental state’ in the country. Despite adopting several neoliberal policies after the devastating Asian financial crisis of 1997, the South Korean state did not fully abandon its role in the country’s economic development. In recent years, selling of military hardware has emerged as one of the ‘new engines of economic growth’ for this export-oriented nation. Furthermore, South Korea’s economic and strategic relations with India have developed significantly, particularly after the end of the Cold War. The arms trade between the two countries has also grown notably. While India’s developing economic and strategic relations with South Korea are well-documented, there is a lack of literature on New Delhi’s increasing arms trade with Seoul. This article explains the challenges and prospects of South Korea’s trade of weapons with India.

Indian Traces in Korean Culture: The Legend and Beyond

Indian Traces in Korean Culture: The Legend and Beyond, by Renata Czekalska, is probably the first of its kind in the context of India–Korea cultural relations and examines the cultural diffusion between the two countries from the ancient period to contemporary times. Although a few book chapters and journal articles on India–Korea cultural relations were published in the past (Tikhonov Citation2014; Pankaj Citation1988), a full-fledged book on this issue has indeed been rare. In this regard, this book is definitely a worthy addition to the available literature on India–Korea relations. While political scientist Huntington (Citation1996) wrote about the ‘Clash of Civilizations’, this book has tried to highlight the cultural exchanges that have been taking place between the nations since ancient times, particularly between the distant lands of the Indian Subcontinent and the Korean Peninsula. The legendary Silk Road played a pivotal role in the transmission of Indian cultural traditions, and Buddhism spread into the Eurasian landmass through these ancient highways (Behera Citation2002). In the modern period also, the cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia continued as a number of Asian nations fell under the European colonial occupation and dominance. While the Indian Subcontinent became a colony of the European powers, Korean Peninsula came under the imperialist control of an Asian power. Despite having lost their independence to the foreign powers, Indians and Koreans continued to develop their interest about each other. The thoughts of Indian thinkers and scholars, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Sarojini Naidu found acceptance in Korea. On the other hand, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India felt amused by the non-violent Korean freedom struggle against Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945). The cultural influence of India through legends, philosophical thoughts, religious scriptures, political values, literature and popular culture on Korea has been well articulated in the book.

Ranjit Kumar Dhawan’s Peer-Reviewed Research Article, ‘The Impact of the Russia–North Korea “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” on China–North Korea Relations’ Published in North Korean Review Journal

Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Ranjit Kumar Dhawan’s peer-reviewed research article on ‘The Impact of the Russia–North Korea “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” on China–North Korea Relations' has been published in the Scopus-listed Journal, North Korean Review, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Fall), 2025. The article argues that the Russia–North Korea “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” has raised apprehensions in China and it may have implications for the Beijing-Pyongyang relationship. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

North Korea’s Increasing Military Cooperation with Russia: Implications for India

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the military engagement between North Korea and Russia has significantly increased. Apparently, the signing of a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ agreement with Moscow in June 2024 would further enhance the military capabilities of Pyongyang. On the other hand, India’s diplomatic relationship with North Korea has continued under the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Narendra Modi government. Moreover, in the backdrop of New Delhi’s new strategic alignment in the ‘Indo-Pacific’ with Quad partners, India has not abandoned Pyongyang. However, North Korea’s nuclear proliferation activities with Pakistan has been an issue of deep concern to New Delhi. In this regard, the Russian space, nuclear and military technologies may reach Islamabad through Pyongyang. Russian support to North Korea can also complicate India’s relations with the Quad members as New Delhi has a close partnership with Moscow. Therefore, there can be military and strategic implications for India as a result of the deepening military alliance between North Korea and Russia.

The Politics of Anti-China Sentiment in South Korea

Seoul will find it difficult to overcome its trade dependence on Beijing despite growing anti-China sentiment.

Ranjit Kumar Dhawan |
April 02, 2025 |
IDSA Comments

Donald Trump and North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Programme

Despite President Trump’s desire to improve relations with the Kim regime and denuclearise North Korea, the relationship between Washington and Pyongyang remains strained.

Ranjit Kumar Dhawan |
February 14, 2025 |
IDSA Comments

North Korea and the Ongoing Political Turmoil in South Korea

The ongoing political crisis in South Korea has helped Pyongyang demean the South Korean democratic system.

Ranjit Kumar Dhawan |
January 17, 2025 |
IDSA Comments

Drone Production in South and North Korea

The interest in the production and export of drones from both South and North Korea in the wake of the Russia–Ukraine war may increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula, going forward.