Affinities: India & Korea

This volume is comprised of the proceedings of an international conference on “India–Korea Relations: Past and Present”, dealing with India's relationship with Korea since ce 48. While Buddhism was the amblical cord of Indian relationship with Korea in the first millennium, the end of Cold War has helped to scale up their relations to a new league. Complimenting their bilateral relationship are the “Look East Policy of India” and the “New Asia Initiative” of Korea. These economic giants of Asia have many things in common to share, give and take in the post-colonial era. The “rag to richess” story of the “miracle on the Han River” gives impetus to India's surge in the economic front. From a hermit-kingdom image, Korea now stands tall among the Asian countries with its rapid socio-economic progress and a per capita income of US $ 22,000. Its advancements in education, science and technology, and defence deserve kudos. The book thus delves deep into all aspects of bilateral relationship — commercial, cultural, economic, educational, historic, language and literature, political, science and technology, and trade. Both the countries have experienced drastic economic progress, increase in trade volumes, Korean corporates investing in India vis-…-vis Indian companies in Korea. A target-trading volume of US $ 40 billion by the year 2015 tells a vibrant story. Also, both are committed in making Asia the most happening region. The book provides a graphic account of all these developments, shedding light on India's low per capita income of US $ 1,219 and suggesting to put her acts together, to lead Asia from the front.