India & South Korea: The Promise of Partnership

1Despite their evident differences, it is not difficult to draw cer tain parallels between India and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The emergences of both states from decades of colonial rule after World War II were marked by tragic bifurcations, resulting in low-level conflicts that continue to this day. After many years of uncertainty about their political and economic trajectories, both countries developed into successful market democracies in a region that, until recently, was believed to be inherently hostile to both democratic rule and free markets. Both countries are also considered key partners of the United States in the years to come, but maintain complex relations with China marked by growing economic interdependence and intensifying security concerns.