Interaction with the South Korean Delegation

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The VIF hosted a delegation from South Korea led by Mr. Lee Jung Deuk. Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF, welcomed and delivered the opening remarks. Lt. Gen. Ravi Sawhney and Brigadier Vinod Anand attended the deliberations. The interaction was focused on the recent developments of the Korean Peninsula and its ramification for the region.
The salient points that emerged from the discussions are enumerated below.

Overview of the Korean Peninsula

The discussion started with an overview of the recent development in the Korean Peninsula by the South Korean delegation. Until now two meetings have already taken place between Moon Jae-in and the Kim Jong-un. The next round of meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un is scheduled on 12 June 2018. The high officials from North Korea have visited the US to deliver the message of Kim Jong-un. The summit has been delayed because there seems to be a trust deficit between both the US and North Korea. There was some difference between the US and North Korea on the issue of denuclearization and the timeline for it. Therefore, even after the June summit, there will still be a requirement for series of meeting to deal with this problem.

Role of China

The two sides discussed the role of China in the current situation. China has played a crucial role in pulling the North Koreans to the negotiation table. On the whole, China appears to have a strategic approach towards the denuclearisation process. It was also agreed that one of the main reasons for the failure of the sanctions for the last twenty years against North Korea was its proximity and material support from China.

Reactions from Japan

In the context of Japan, it was felt that it is less optimistic about the development of the North Korean crisis and is feeling neglected in the present situation. Japan is also one country that is affected by the North Korean nuclear programme. North Korea, curiously, seeks economic support from Japan.

India-South Korea Relations

Deliberations were also held on India-South Korea relation. During the Korean crisis situation in 1953, India sent troops under the aegis of United Nations in Korea. Ever since, then India-South Korea relations have gone on an upward trajectory. There also exists a lot of optimism regarding India-South Korea defence cooperation.

To sump up, it was reiterated that India welcomes the denecularisation and the peace process between the two Koreas and supports the South Korean initiative in this regard.