India is like second HQ for most Korean companies; they came to India without exit plans. More are coming

ACN: A majority of expatriates from various countries have flown out of India using chartered planes (because of COVID-19 outbreak here). But hardly a few hundred South Korean nationals left for their country and the majority of 15,000 still remains in India and they are facing tough situations bravely here. Any particular reason?

Shin Bong-kil: The Korean community has much trust that the Indian government will bring the situation under control. The Embassy and the Korean community have been following the government’s measures very closely from the beginning, and we much appreciate the Indian government’s approach. I am also aware that the WHO also has commended the Indian government’s active measures. Additionally, it is very encouraging that Prime Minister Modi is holding meetings with Ministers to develop an exit strategy for a soft-landing into the post-COVID19 era.

The majority of Koreans who are returning to Korea are the many tourists who were stranded during the lockdown, along with dependents of the Koreans working in Korean companies. I would like to take this chance to convey our great appreciation to the Indian authorities and people who have helped Koreans reach the repatriation flights, from the Himalayas to the Thar Desert.

Korean companies may not have been first in bonding and investing in India. But Koreans have come to India without any plans for leaving. Thus, we will be the last ones to depart, if we depart.

ACN: The new world order post-COVID-19 scenario, which seems to be emerging is likely to pave the way for the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India especially from Asian countries. A lot is being said about Japanese companies moving to India from China after the lockdown. But South Korean companies had already been entering in India for over a year. About 100 Korean SMEs as well as large companies like (KIA) moved to India during 2019-20. Is that true?

Shin Bong-kil: With the New Southern Policy, President Moon Jae-in is giving top priority to diversify Korea’s economic ties, focusing on India and Southeast Asia. And it was already a trend for Korean companies in China to look out for new manufacturing bases in this country much before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most Korean conglomerates, like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, KIA are in India and have been expanding their activities, up to the point that India is like their second HQ. The smartphones, electronics, automobiles that they are producing in India is aimed not only for the Indian market but other countries.

Also, many SMEs have been entering India before the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are coming to India in partnership with the Korean conglomerates and setting up their own factories here in India. Furthermore, independent Korean start-ups have been setting up businesses in India.

ACN: On April 9, Indian PM Narendra Modi held a telephonic discussion with Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea. Was it for seeking assistance from Korea and if yes, what kind of help is coming from Korea to India post this discussion?

Shin Bong-kil: Through the telephone discussion on April 9, President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had exchanged views on the global COVID-19 pandemic situation and it challenges, and how Korea and India can cooperate in overcoming the situation nationally and globally.

In this regard, Korea is sharing our experience in fighting the virus, and assisting India in acquiring necessary test kits and medical supplies. Already Korean companies who have set subsidiaries in India, are setting up factories to produce test kits in India, not only importing them. This will help Indians to combat COVID-19, and provide livelihoods in this fight.

ACN: Any request the Indians staying in South Korea have made for allowing permission for flights from Seoul to India for coming back to India?

Shin Bong-kil: I am not aware of any requests by Indians staying in Korea to return to India during the lockdown. And given the hardships we are facing together, the Korean government is trying to allow Indians to feel as if they are home in Korea while weathering this storm.

Since the first cases of COVID-19 had been discovered in January, the Korean health authorities had stressed that the virus does not distinguish individuals. The Korean government has been providing free tests to all symptomatic persons in Korea, and free treatment if found to be positive. This includes all foreigners, including those who had overstayed their visas, and our authorities are given specific instructions not to collect any information concerning immigrant status when testing and treating for COVID-19.

ACN: The formal inauguration of India’s first Indo-Korean Friendship Park in New Delhi is stuck due to the COVID-19 outbreak. When it is likely to get inaugurated and are you waiting for an appointment from the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs or Minister of National Defense to formally inaugurate the park?

Shin Bong-kil: I am happy that the first Indo-Korean Friendship Park is ready for inauguration. This year marks the 70^th year since the Indian Army, namely the 60^th Parachute Field Ambulance, had been dispatched to help the Korean people during the Korean War. With the inauguration, we wish to show gratitude to the veterans as fitting the sacrifices and the hardships that they had endured.

I hope that after the current lock-down ends, and with the COVID-19 outbreak under control, the detailed plans for formal inauguration can be discussed.