South Korea part of daily life in India, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that South Korea is "part of daily life in India" through the wide use of Korean-made consumer durables, and praised President Park Geun-hye for her commitment to ties with India, which he described as a "source of strength for us".

In his remarks at the dinner hosted by President Park at the Blue House presidential residence, Modi said: "Korea is part of daily life in India. We speak to each other on Korean phones. We drive around in Korean cars. We work with Korean computers. We watch our favourite games on Korean TV."

He said Koreans are not just brilliant engineers but also good at song and dance, and referred to the hugely popular Gangnam dancing style. "When cricketers in India celebrate their victory in Gangnam style, you know that Korea is now firmly on Indian minds and limbs," Modi said.

He also underscored the Buddhist and historical links of the two nations, including the Mahabodhi sapling gifted to Park during her visit to India last year. "If our history is of affection and admiration, our present and, even more, our future will be of a strong partnership," Modi said.

He said the destinies of both countries 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".

The allusion is to China which has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea.

"In recognition of our responsibility, we have elevated our relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership", he said.

Modi was treated to a special vegetarian banquet by the president and watched a cultural programme, including by children.