By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Gunsan City Mayor Kang Im-jun met with Ambassador Amit Kumar of India to Korea and his wife, who visited Gunsan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tata Daewoo Mobility Co., and discussed expanding exchanges between Gunsan City and India.

“Tata Group, a leading Indian company, has long contributed to the economic development of Gunsan through its commercial vehicles, coexistence with local parts manufacturers, and employment creation,” said Mayor Kang Im-jun.

Kim added, “Gunsan City is focusing on the electric vehicle and secondary battery industries and is continuing to develop. We look forward to further cooperation with India in this field.”

“This is my first visit to the beautiful city of Gunsan, and I hope that India and Gunsan City will expand exchanges through foreign workers in the manufacturing sector and international students studying in Gunsan,” said Ambassador Amit Kumar. 

The ambassador said, ”India is also investing heavily in electric vehicles and secondary batteries, and I look forward to future collaboration with Gunsan City.”

Currently, Gunsan City has established a sister city relationship with India's Pimpri-Chinchwad and Jamshedpur cities in 2004 through its relationship with Tata Daewoo Mobility Co., and has been conducting exchanges such as mutual visits.

The friendly ties between India and Korea are deeply rooted in ancient connections, exemplified by the celebrated wedding of King Kim Suro and Queen Suriratna, an Indian princess from Ayodhya and the shared heritage of Buddhism.

India’s significant humanitarian contributions during the Korean War further strengthen their bond. The bilateral relations have expanded significantly, marked by the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2010, and the elevation of the relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015.