(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 4-10; RECASTS lead)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, April 16 (Yonhap) — President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-nation trip to India and Vietnam next week for summit talks to discuss ways to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation in strategic areas, Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.
Lee will depart on Sunday for a three-day state visit to India and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac told reporters.
He is scheduled to head to Vietnam on Tuesday for a state visit and hold talks with To Lam, Vietnam’s president and general secretary of the Communist Party, on Wednesday, Wi said. He is set to return home on Friday.
President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their talks on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
In India, Lee plans to also attend a business forum involving major business leaders from both countries and a state dinner hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the ceremonial head of state.
“In light of Lee’s visit, (the two nations) will open a new chapter in economic cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding and maritime industries, finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense,” Wi said. “The two countries will maintain close coordination on energy supply chains amid rapidly shifting global dynamics stemming from the war in the Middle East.”
The trip will mark the third in-person talks between Lee and Modi, following their meetings on the sidelines of the Group of Seven and Group of 20 summits last year.
In Vietnam, Lee will hold a summit with To Lam in Hanoi on Wednesday and sign memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the two nations.
The visit will make Lee the first foreign leader to visit since To Lam was elected state president earlier this month, consolidating his authority by holding the country’s two most powerful positions.
The following day, he is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, No. 2 in the government, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, No. 3, and attend a business forum.
“Through this visit, Lee aims to strengthen mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation with Vietnam in key sectors, including nuclear energy,” Wi said. “Amid growing global uncertainties, (the leaders) will seek to stabilize energy supply chains and enhance cooperation in critical minerals.”
President Lee Jae Myung (R) toasts with Vietnamese leader To Lam during a dinner banquet at the state guest house of the presidential compound Cheong Wa Dae in this file photo taken Feb. 11, 2025, during Lam’s visit to South Korea. (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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