India & Republic of Korea Reaffirm Commitment to Deepen Cooperation in Public Administration and Digital Governance

📌 Summary:

• Republic of Korea's Minister of Interior and Safety, Yun Hojung, called on Union MoS (Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions) Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi (20 June 2026); the two held bilateral talks lasting over an hour
• Talks covered cooperation in digital governance, e-government, public administration, capacity building and citizen-centric service delivery
• Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the Joint Strategic Vision Statement finalised when President Lee Jae Myung visited India in April 2026 and met PM Modi, which set an ambitious agenda across trade, investment, ports, maritime, digital/fintech, science & technology, culture and sports
• India showcased initiatives like CPGRAMS, Digital Life Certificates and technology-enabled governance platforms; Korea shared experience in smart governance, digital public services and disaster/safety management
• Both Ministries are in active discussion to finalise an MoU on cooperation in public administration and government innovation
• The relationship was framed as a Special Strategic Partnership rooted in shared democratic values and the historical link between Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Suro of Gaya's confederacy

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — India's bilateral relations, India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership, governance cooperation and digital public infrastructure diplomacy.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• India and the Republic of Korea share a "Special Strategic Partnership"
• A Joint Strategic Vision Statement was issued during President Lee Jae Myung's April 2026 India visit
• CPGRAMS = Centralised Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System

🔑 Key Term: CPGRAMS — the Centralised Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System, India's online platform for citizens to lodge and track grievances against government departments.