Team Blitz India
EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) from March 5 to 6 for the 10th India-ROK Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which he co-chaired with his counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, ROK’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The JCM saw representatives from various Ministries and Departments of both countries, assessing bilateral cooperation under the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in areas like trade, investments, development cooperation, defence and security, science and technology, culture, and people-topeople exchange.
During his visit, Minister Jaishankar highlighted the historical ties between India and Korea. He met with a delegation led by the Mayor of Gimhae City, Ayodhya’s Sister City, emphasising the ancient connection symbolised by Princess Suriratna’s journey from Ayodhya to Korea over 2,000 years ago. She married King Kim Suro, laying the foundation of the Gaya Kingdom.
Princess Suriratna, known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok, has left a lasting legacy, with around six million South Koreans claiming descent from her. This connection is celebrated annually through the pilgrimage of Karak clan members to Ayodhya’s Queen Heo Memorial Park. Established collaboratively by the Uttar Pradesh Government and Gimhae city, the park stands as a tribute to the enduring bonds between India and Korea.
