India and South Korea have agreed to explore joint initiatives in electronics, electric vehicle (EV) components, and digital supply chains, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

The discussions took place between Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and his Korean counterpart Yeo Han-Koo, on the sidelines of the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting (TIMM) held in Gqeberha, South Africa.

According to the ministry, the two sides focused on collaboration in manufacturing, digital technologies, and clean technologies, with a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across electronics, EV components, and trusted digital infrastructure.

During the event, Prasada also held bilateral meetings with ministers from Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands, discussing measures to enhance trade and investment flows between India and these economies.

WTO Reforms And Food Security

In discussions related to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the minister reiterated India’s call for restoring a fully functional, two-tier dispute settlement system with an operational appellate body.

He also stressed the need for a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security, highlighting the importance of ensuring affordable access to food for developing nations.

“India also underscored the need to preserve policy space for development and ensure adequate transition periods for developing members,” the ministry said.

About The G20 Forum

The G20, established in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, serves as the premier platform for international economic cooperation. It was elevated to the Leaders’ level in 2009 to enhance coordination on growth, stability, and global challenges.

Comprising 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, the G20 represents around 85 per cent of global GDP, over 75 per cent of world trade, and nearly two-thirds of the global population. The African Union formally joined the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023, marking a significant expansion of the group’s representation.

The growing collaboration between India and Korea reflects both nations’ shared goals of technological advancement, sustainable growth, and resilient supply chains, reinforcing their roles as key drivers of the global digital and green economy.