India–South Korea economic relations are becoming more strategic, but trade momentum is lagging. A new Rubix Data Sciences analysis shows bilateral goods trade remained stuck at US$ 25–28 billion between FY2022 and FY2025, even as both countries target US$ 50 billion by 2030. The bigger concern is the widening imbalance. India’s exports to South Korea fell from US$ 8.1 billion to US$ 5.8 billion during the period, while imports held steady at US$ 21 billion, expanding the trade deficit. The report points to a structural mismatch, India continues to export commodity-linked goods, while imports are increasingly dominated by high-value products such as semiconductor-related components. Although sectors, such as aerospace hint at early diversification, Rubix notes the next phase of growth will depend on stronger value chain integration, better market access, lower non-tariff barriers, and higher bilateral investment across industries.
