Date: 13 Mar 2026

Strengthening Industrial and Professional Engagement between India and South Korea

Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, in collaboration with SIGMA Group and New Delhi Institute of Management, successfully organised an International Seminar on “India and South Korea (Republic of Korea): Strengthening Industrial and Professional Engagement for Global Competitiveness” on 13 March 2026 at the Annexe of the India International Centre. The seminar brought together diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and industry experts to engage in meaningful discussions on strengthening industrial, academic, and professional engagement between India and the Republic of Korea.

The seminar was organised under the Chief Patronship of Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Principal, Mata Sundri College for Women, whose encouragement and support played a significant role in the successful conduct of the event. The faculty coordinators of the programme were Dr. Ishleen Kaur and Dr. Sukhvinder Kaur. The programme was convened by Dr. Avneet Kaur and Mr. Satveer Singh, whose efforts in planning and coordination ensured the smooth execution of the seminar.

The event was also supported by dedicated student volunteers who assisted in the organisation and management of the programme, including registration and delegate coordination. The volunteers included Rewati Juyal and Aarya Singh from the Korean Language Course; Mahima Bhatt, Nida Ahmed, Priyanka Gupta, Garima, and Sittu Jha from B.A. Political Science; and Junam Nishi Hazarika, Indraja Nair, Mishti Sejwal, Aishwarya Kabsuri, Titiksha Kumari, Kajal, and Megha from B.A. History.

The Inaugural Session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the national anthem of the Republic of Korea and the national song and anthem of India. The dignitaries were formally felicitated by Prof. Harpreet Kaur.

In her welcome address, Prof. Harpreet Kaur, spoke about the historical and cultural commonalities between India and South Korea and highlighted the growing importance of academic and industrial cooperation between the two countries in an increasingly interconnected global economy. She also referred to the Korean language course offered by the college and the institution’s annual cultural festival Saarang, noting the enthusiastic participation of students in learning the Korean language. She further discussed expanding trade relations, Korean industrial zones, and the opportunities created for youth through skill development and international collaboration. Emphasising the importance of deeper cultural engagement, she highlighted the emerging opportunities for students seeking academic and professional engagement with South Korea.

The seminar featured the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Lee Seong-Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, who spoke about the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Korea. The session also included addresses by distinguished dignitaries including S. Jagdip Singh, Chairman of the SIGMA Group and Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea; Ambassador (Retd.) C. Rajasekhar, Vice President of the India–ROK Friendship Society; Mr. Siddharth Rajhans, Deputy Secretary, Government of India; Prof. Charan Singh, former IMF Senior Economist; and Prof. Sumita Rai, Dean, Industry Connect (MDI–Hyundai Program). The session was presided over by Prof. Anju Vali Tikoo, Member of the Governing Body of Mata Sundri College for Women and Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.

The seminar included two technical sessions that explored key themes related to India–Korea collaboration. The first session, focusing on Korean business in India, featured contributions from Prof. Nisha Taneja (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, New Delhi), Dr. Markandey Rai (President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Indian Council for International Cooperation, IGTAMS University, India), Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Singh (Department of Political Science, University of Delhi), and Dr. Vishal Khanna (Joint Director, FICCI), along with remarks by Mr. Jae Kyeong Lee, Director, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME). The speakers shared valuable insights on trade relations, business opportunities, and policy perspectives shaping India–Korea economic engagement.

The second technical session examined academic and industry cooperation between India and Korea. The panel included Dr. Abraham Lee (Managing Director and CEO, Atomy Enterprises), Ms. Suzy Choi (Managing Director and CEO, Sole-Mono Pole, New Delhi), Prof. Sheetal Sharma (Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, University of Delhi), and Prof. Anirudh Deshpande, Head, Department of History, University of Delhi. The session also included remarks by Dr. Tarunika Jain Agrawal, Former Deputy CEO, Udhmodya Foundation, University of Delhi. The discussions emphasised the importance of academic partnerships, industry collaboration, and knowledge exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Valedictory Session featured reflections by Dr. Bidisha Bhattacharya (Associate Fellow, Chintan Research Foundation) and Dr. Neerja Samjhdar (Department of South Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi), along with addresses by Capt. L. S. Bahl (President, Indo-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, New Delhi) and Sardar Kulbir Singh (Acting Treasurer, Governing Body, Mata Sundri College for Women). The speakers emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration among academic institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The seminar witnessed active participation from scholars, faculty members, students, and delegates, creating a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas and perspectives. The collective efforts of the faculty members, organising committee, and student volunteers ensured the successful conduct of the programme.

Organised in collaboration with the SIGMA Group and partner institutions, the seminar reflected a meaningful partnership between academic and professional bodies. The event concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the importance of continued engagement between India and the Republic of Korea in the spheres of industry, education, and global cooperation.