External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between India and South Korea, highlighting the shared potential of both nations across several sectors, which he described as opportunities ranging "from ships to chips." He said such collaboration could play an important role in building a more stable, resilient and cooperative global system. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 during his two-day visit to South Korea, Jaishankar addressed the challenges of an increasingly fragmented world. He said the global community must acknowledge this new reality while also creating new models of cooperation.

"The forum is looking at fragmentation as a challenge and renewed cooperation as the answer. I agree with both the assessment and the solution," he said. Jaishankar noted that global fragmentation is likely to continue but argued that it can also create opportunities by reducing excessive dependence and allowing more countries greater participation in global affairs. He said the modern world remains deeply connected through trade, supply chains, technology and shared resources despite rising geopolitical tensions. According to him, global economic interdependence has become one of the defining features of today's international landscape.

The minister highlighted technology as a major force connecting economies and societies, adding that artificial intelligence will further expand cross-border collaboration because data and technological systems operate beyond national boundaries. At the same time, he stressed that challenges such as pandemics, terrorism and climate-related disasters cannot be addressed by individual countries alone. These issues, he said, require stronger international cooperation and collective responses.

Referring to India's traditional philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or the idea that the world is one family, Jaishankar said global cooperation remains essential in dealing with common challenges. He warned that economic decisions are increasingly being shaped by strategic interests, affecting trade, connectivity and development. He also criticised restrictions that limit developing countries' ability to industrialise, saying unequal access to markets and technology can reinforce global inequalities.

Describing the current international environment, Jaishankar said the world is witnessing the "weaponisation" of various domains, along with greater uncertainty and political pressures influenced by the social media era. He argued that these trends must be addressed through broader cooperation among more countries. The minister suggested five key approaches for rebuilding cooperation in a divided world: reducing risks in the global economy through diversified supply chains, strengthening partnerships among influential nations, safeguarding international laws and institutions, expanding opportunities for the Global South, and promoting reforms in multilateral organisations.

Connecting these ideas with India-South Korea relations, Jaishankar said both countries have strong reasons to work more closely together. He pointed to shared strengths and opportunities in areas including shipbuilding, semiconductors, healthcare, infrastructure and defence. He added that his recent discussions in Seoul focused on expanding economic and technological cooperation, strengthening political and strategic ties, and encouraging closer people-to-people connections between India and South Korea.