Boundless possibilities for cooperation with South Korea: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

SEOUL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said there were "boundless" possibilities for cooperation with South Korea in India's economic transformation and the two countries will prosper when the region is peaceful.

"We are two major Asian democracies. We have boundless possibilities for cooperation in India's economic transformation and our shared progress," Modi said at a banquet hosted in his honour by South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

"Our destinies are linked with the future of Asia and the Pacific. We will prosper when the region is peaceful and our sea lanes are secure and free. We know that we must be secure in our cyber world and safe in our physical world," he said.

Modi lavished praise on President Park at the banquet, saying, "President Park you are a deeply admired leader in the region and the world. You have drawn personal strength from adversity. And, you have sought peace with persistence and wisdom."

"Your commitment to the relationship with India is a source of strength for us. Each time we have spoken, you have shown great awareness of our big opportunities; and, you have spoken with clarity about the roadmap ahead," he said.

"Today, in recognition of our responsibility, we have elevated our relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership," Modi said.

He said Korea was part of India's daily life with Indian people using Korean phones, Korean cars, Korean computers to Korean games.

"And, since youth spend a lot of time staring at their phone screens, Korea has a strong following in the 800 million young Indians," Modi said.

"But, we also know that Koreans are more than brilliant engineers. They sing and dance well, too. When cricketers in India celebrate their victory in Gangman style, you know that Korea is now firmly on Indian minds and limbs," he said in a lighter vein.

After the dinner, a cultural programme was organised where children sang the Hindi song "Chal Chal Chal Mere Saathi". Korean groups TAAL and SUM also performed.

Noting that the story of Korean charm on India began long ago, Modi said, "Nearly 2000 years ago, a princess from India's holy city of Ayodhya became queen Hur Hwang-ok here."

"For me there is a personal link. It comes from the visit of Korean Buddhist monks to Benaras -- my constituency in the Parliament. This is yet another sacred thread of ties between us. This is now being nurtured by the sapling of Mahabodhi tree that you, Madam President, brought with you from India last year," the Prime Minister said.

Recalling Rabindranath Tagore poem in which he called Korea "the Lamp of the East", Modi said anyone who has seen Korea's gift of nature, the beauty of its culture and the warmth and kindness of Korean people, will agree with the poet."