New Delhi, 19 April (H.S.):

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung jetted off from Seoul on Sunday, launching a pivotal two-nation diplomatic odyssey to India and Vietnam, aimed at cementing economic synergies and navigating global turbulence.

Lee's itinerary kicks off with a high-stakes summit in New Delhi alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday—their third face-to-face dialogue since G7 and G20 sidelines last year. Discussions will zero in on amplifying bilateral ties in shipbuilding, maritime sectors, artificial intelligence, and defense, while synchronizing strategies against supply chain volatilities fueled by Middle East conflicts.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac underscored the urgency, highlighting India's role as a manufacturing powerhouse and consumer magnet for Korean tech giants in electronics and automobiles. Lee will also grace a business conclave to unlock fresh ventures and bolster Korean enterprises on Indian soil.

The tour pivots to Hanoi on Tuesday for a state visit, marking Lee as the first foreign dignitary to engage Vietnam's new President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam post his recent dual-role ascension. Wednesday's talks with Lam will spotlight energy security and critical minerals, followed by Thursday rendezvous with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, capped by another CEO forum to invigorate trade corridors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar