Army Chief leaves for Korea, bilateral talks will be held on many important strategic issues. Loktej India News

New Delhi, 20 November (HS). Army Chief General Manoj Pandey left on Monday on an official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK). The aim of the visit is to further strengthen the strong defense ties between the two countries. This day is important in the history of India-Korea relations because 73 years ago, on November 20, 1950, 60 Para Field Ambulances of the Indian Army landed in Busan to provide necessary medical assistance during the Korean War.

The Army Chief’s itinerary includes interactions with senior ROK military leadership and visits to defense formations and establishments. He will also hold talks with General Kim Seung-kyum, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the ROK Armed Forces, in addition to holding a bilateral meeting with General Park An-su, Chief of Staff of the ROK Army. The objective of the dialogue will be to promote mutual understanding, exchange views on the regional security situation and contribute to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

General Manoj Pandey will visit the National Cemetery and War Memorial and lay wreath in the memory of the martyred heroes. He will pay a special visit to the war memorial to honor Indian soldiers who played an important role in the Korean War. The COAS is scheduled to visit establishments such as the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Korean Army Center for the Future and Innovation, and the Defense Development Agency in Daejeon. He will also visit the Drone Combat Unit to gain information on issues of mutual interest. Apart from this, a visit to the border management and surveillance facility has also been planned.

India and the Republic of Korea will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. This visit of the Indian Army Chief underlines the commitment of both the countries to strengthen the special strategic partnership with Korea. According to the Defense Ministry, the visit of General Manoj Pandey will promote bilateral cooperation on a number of strategic issues, especially in defense cooperation, reflecting the enduring cordiality between India and the Republic of Korea over the years.