By Our Special Correspondent
SHILLONG, Nov 3: Last week, Korean Acting Ambassador Lim Sang Woo was at the Asian Confluence Centre, Shillong for a round table on the theme “Building Synergies with NER India: India–Korea Cooperation in a Changing World.” The objective was to explore areas of common interests between Korea and the northeastern states. Presiding over the discussions at the round table was MP Bezbaruah, Chairman of the Governing Council, Asian Confluence.
The Korean diplomat confessed that this was his first visit to the Northeast and that he was quite intrigued by the racial similarities between the people of this region and his own. He was also surprised when informed that the youth of the region are familiar with K-pop and Arirang the Korean TV channel. Stating that the population of the Republic of Korea are an aging one, the Acting Ambassador said, “Korea is looking for a young and dynamic workforce and I can see that the Northeast could fill up that vacuum. What however is crucial for the job aspirants here is to learn the Korean language. Perhaps we can explore the possibility of some universities offering Korean language to the students here. Manipur University is already teaching the Korean language,” he said.
The discussion included a wide range of participants from academia, policy, media, and civil society to explore the state of India–Korea relations and identify new pathways for cooperation, particularly in Northeast India.
Bezbaruah emphasised the tremendous resources both human and natural of Northeast India that can boost bilateral linkages. Dr Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh, Former Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, Government of India, and Advisor, Asian Confluence, underscored the popularity of Korean culture in the region, arguing for the promotion of the Korean language in the North East.
Ricky AJ Syngkon, Member of Parliament, Shillong, highlighted the commonalities between Korea and Northeast India, calling for more people-to-people engagement.
In his address, the Acting Ambassador noted the long history of India-Korea ties. He highlighted the extensive presence of Korean companies in India, which contributes to a robust USD 25 billion bilateral trade. He observed that with the formation of a new government in Korea, the partnership stands poised for greater heights, and that the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) could play a pivotal role in advancing this collaboration.
Other distinguished dignitaries who contributed to the discussion included Dr. Binayak Dutta, Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence; Bhogtoram Mawroh, Senior Associate, Research and Knowledge Management, NESFAS; Kang Seungrae, Official Staff, Embassy of the Republic of Korea; Monish Singh, Zonal Director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations; Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times; Puran Bahadur, Administrative Staff, Embassy of the Republic of Korea; Ambassador (retired) Riewad Warjri, Fellow, Asian Confluence; Sanjoy Hazarika, Founder, Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES); Samhita Nandi, Director Outreach Asian Confluence; Shin Wonho, Third Secretary, Crisis Management, Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Tombi Meitei, Additional PS to Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.
That the Korean diplomat was interested in collaborating with Northeast India was evident from the informal conversation that followed the round table. He had visited Sohra and was delighted by the sights and sounds and of the place, the waterfalls in particular. He promised that he would hard sell Meghalaya to the Korean people.
“Most of us think of India as Delhi and the other states of India. I didn’t know that such a lovely part of India is tucked away in its northeastern region,” the Acting Ambassador stated.
The discussions highlighted the potential for greater people-to-people engagement through education, skill development, and cultural exchange, while identifying healthcare, agro-horticulture, logistics, and entrepreneurship as promising areas for cooperation.
The round-table reflects Asian Confluence’s commitment to fostering dialogue, building cross-regional partnerships, and promoting Northeast India as a vital bridge in India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
