India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is&nbsp;slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the&nbsp;unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities.

In October this year, India's army chief, General MM Naravane&nbsp;was in Myanmar and the next month&nbsp;he was in Nepal. Between the second and the third week of December, General MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The army chief's visit to Saudi Arabia was unprecedented. It came on the heels of Riyadh's deteriorating ties with Islamabad. Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not allowed to meet the Saudi crown prince in August but the Indian army chief was welcomed by the top Saudi generals.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-qatari-amir-pm-discusses-economic-and-security-cooperation-353013" hreflang="en">Jaishankar meets Qatari Amir, PM; discusses economic and security cooperation</a>

General's visit also came on the heels of India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UAE and Bahrain.

As we speak, Jaishankar is in Qatar for a two-day visit. He attended an India-Qatar business roundtable and interacted with the Indian community there. He is also expected to meet the Qatari deputy prime minsiter and foreign minister&nbsp;Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

At least 700,000 Indians live in Qatar. Many Indian workers have benefited from Qatar's recent labour reforms which includes a 25 per cent&nbsp;hike in the minimum wage and dilution of a clause that required workers to take the employer's consent before switching jobs.

In 2019, the bilateral trade between Qatar and India was worth $10.95 billion. The Qatar investment authority has invested $600 million in two Indian firms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-meets-south-koreas-top-military-brass-to-enhance-bilateral-ties-353007" hreflang="en">Indian Army chief meets South Korea's top military brass to enhance bilateral ties</a>

Jaishankar's visit is expected to focus on trade and energy cooperation. You will also see&nbsp;that the visit goes beyond all of this as it&nbsp;has a lot to do with West Asia's shifting sands and an emerging post-pandemic world — one that's being built on strategic alliances.

India views West Asia at its extended neighbourhood. West Asia is putting an end to historical and regional disputes. In the last five months, four Arab countries have formalised ties with Israel: UAE, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain.

The gulf cooperation council countries recently held talks on ending a rift with Qatar. It is talking about lifting air, land and water blockade of Qatar because the region has a common enemy — Iran.

It just so happens that Iran is getting closer to China. However, another interesting observation is that China is also a country that India has a stand-off with in Ladakh.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-tells-indian-community-in-qatar-economic-confidence-visible-in-india-352884" hreflang="en">EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India</a>

India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on just oil, diaspora and remittances. The relationship is now strategic as there are common foes.

West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, it is coming together against Iran and both —&nbsp;Iran and Pakistan — are close to China.

The virtual GCC discussion was held this morning at a time when India's foreign affairs minister is in Qatar.

There is another very significant visit that's underway. India's Army Chief is on a three-day visit to South Korea. Seoul has been one of India's major weapon suppliers. It also happens to be a country that is witnessing growing rift with China.

On General Naravane's agenda is bolstering of military cooperation. He will be calling on the Korean defence minister,&nbsp;Army chief,&nbsp;chairman of joint chiefs of staff and Korea's minister of defence aquisition planning administration.

Another point to consider is that South Korea is fighting Chinese aggression at East China sea. It is pushing for maritime rules-based order. There is also an online war as the South Korean band BTS faced a backlash from Chinese state media. The common foe is very clearly visible in these developments.

India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities.

India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities. In October this year, India's army chief, General MM Naravane was in Myanmar and the next month he was in Nepal. Between the second and the third week of December, General MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The army chief's visit to Saudi Arabia was unprecedented. It came on the heels of Riyadh's deteriorating ties with Islamabad. Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not allowed to meet the Saudi crown prince in August but the Indian army chief was welcomed by the top Saudi generals. Also read| Jaishankar meets Qatari Amir, PM; discusses economic and security cooperation General's visit also came on the heels of India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UAE and Bahrain. As we speak, Jaishankar is in Qatar for a two-day visit. He attended an India-Qatar business roundtable and interacted with the Indian community there. He is also expected to meet the Qatari deputy prime minsiter and foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. At least 700,000 Indians live in Qatar. Many Indian workers have benefited from Qatar's recent labour reforms which includes a 25 per cent hike in the minimum wage and dilution of a clause that required workers to take the employer's consent before switching jobs. In 2019, the bilateral trade between Qatar and India was worth $10.95 billion. The Qatar investment authority has invested $600 million in two Indian firms. Also read| Indian Army chief meets South Korea's top military brass to enhance bilateral ties Jaishankar's visit is expected to focus on trade and energy cooperation. You will also see that the visit goes beyond all of this as it has a lot to do with West Asia's shifting sands and an emerging post-pandemic world — one that's being built on strategic alliances. India views West Asia at its extended neighbourhood. West Asia is putting an end to historical and regional disputes. In the last five months, four Arab countries have formalised ties with Israel: UAE, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain. The gulf cooperation council countries recently held talks on ending a rift with Qatar. It is talking about lifting air, land and water blockade of Qatar because the region has a common enemy — Iran. It just so happens that Iran is getting closer to China. However, another interesting observation is that China is also a country that India has a stand-off with in Ladakh. Also read| EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on just oil, diaspora and remittances. The relationship is now strategic as there are common foes. West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, it is coming together against Iran and both — Iran and Pakistan — are close to China. The virtual GCC discussion was held this morning at a time when India's foreign affairs minister is in Qatar. There is another very significant visit that's underway. India's Army Chief is on a three-day visit to South Korea. Seoul has been one of India's major weapon suppliers. It also happens to be a country that is witnessing growing rift with China. On General Naravane's agenda is bolstering of military cooperation. He will be calling on the Korean defence minister, Army chief, chairman of joint chiefs of staff and Korea's minister of defence aquisition planning administration. Another point to consider is that South Korea is fighting Chinese aggression at East China sea. It is pushing for maritime rules-based order. There is also an online war as the South Korean band BTS faced a backlash from Chinese state media. The common foe is very clearly visible in these developments.

How do India's growing ties with South Korea and Qatar pose a threat to China

Indian police have arrested 12 LG Polymers officials, including its South Korean chief executive, an officer said on Wednesday, two months after a gas leak at the company's south India chemical plant killed 12.

The arrests were made under a case of culpable homicide filed against the company's South Korean parent, LG Chem Ltd, when the leak occurred in May, police commissioner Rajiv Kumar Meena said.

"A total of twelve members including the CEO and two directors were arrested on Tuesday evening," Meena, the top officer in the port city of Visakhapatnam where the plant is located, said.

Among those arrested were two directors, one of whom was a South Korean, Meena said. 
Toxic styrene gas leaked from the chemical plant in the early hours of May 7, choking many people who were sleeping.

This week, a government-appointed committee recommended that the plant be shifted away from human habitation and called for action against the top employees. It said LG Chem had been negligent and warning systems were not working.

The company did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Meena said three government officials had also been suspended for negligence.

Indian police have arrested 12 LG Polymers officials, including its South Korean chief executive, an officer said on Wednesday, two months after a gas leak at the company's south India chemical plant killed 12.

Indian police have arrested 12 LG Polymers officials, including its South Korean chief executive, an officer said on Wednesday, two months after a gas leak at the company's south India chemical plant killed 12. The arrests were made under a case of culpable homicide filed against the company's South Korean parent, LG Chem Ltd, when the leak occurred in May, police commissioner Rajiv Kumar Meena said. "A total of twelve members including the CEO and two directors were arrested on Tuesday evening," Meena, the top officer in the port city of Visakhapatnam where the plant is located, said. Among those arrested were two directors, one of whom was a South Korean, Meena said. Toxic styrene gas leaked from the chemical plant in the early hours of May 7, choking many people who were sleeping. This week, a government-appointed committee recommended that the plant be shifted away from human habitation and called for action against the top employees. It said LG Chem had been negligent and warning systems were not working. The company did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Meena said three government officials had also been suspended for negligence.

India arrests South Korean CEO, 11 others for gas leak at LG Polymers

India is expected to host South Korean President Moon Jae-in this year to add more strategic heft to its growing bilateral economic partnership. The two countries will look to build on convergences between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Act East Policy" and President moon's new "Southern Policy", which seek better ties with countries in the Indo-pacific region.

Bilateral consular relations were established between the two countries in 1962 which were upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973. In course of time, Seoul's open market policies found resonance with India's economic liberalisation and "Look East" as well as "Act East" policies. Consistent Indian support for peaceful reunification of the two Koreas has been well received in the South.

A good indication of growing ties between South Korea and India is the fact that Hyundai, Samsung and LG are household names in India. South Korea's traditional food kimchi, made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage, and K-pop star Psy of Gangnam style fame are popular, too.

But the dramatic upturn in ties did not happen overnight.

India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006. It led to the launch of a joint task force to conclude an agreement called bilateral comprehensive economic partnership or CEPA. It was operationalised on January 1, 2010.

Trade and economic relations started to gather momentum following the implementation of CEPA in 2010 and the bilateral trade in 2011 crossed US $20.5 billion,&nbsp registering a 70 per cent growth over a two-year period. 
&nbsp 
The same year, South Korea's then President Lee Myung-bak visited New Delhi as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations. He raised the ties to the strategic level.

One year later, in July 2011, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid a reciprocal visit to South Korea and a civil nuclear energy cooperation was signed during her visit. 
&nbsp 
In the following year, 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan singh travelled to Seoul for bilateral talks and to attend the nuclear security summit. Both sides signed a visa simplification agreement.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye travelled to New Delhi in January 2014. The joint statement for expansion of strategic partnership issued during the visit unveiled a blue print for further expanding the political, security, defence and economic relations.

India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was in Seoul in December 2014, and the defence minister in April, 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Korea in May, 2015. During the visit, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to special strategic partnership.

The relationship witnessed new momentum following the inauguration of President Moon Jae-in's administration. PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate President Moon on his election victory. PM Modi's congratulatory tweet in Korean language was well appreciated by President Moon, Korean media and common people.

President Moon reciprocated by sending Chung Dongchea, former culture minister, as his special envoy to India, first such instance in the bilateral relationship, and through subsequent announcement to upgrade the relationship with India equivalent to four traditional partners under the "New Asia Community Plus" framework.

India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006.

India is expected to host South Korean President Moon Jae-in this year to add more strategic heft to its growing bilateral economic partnership. The two countries will look to build on convergences between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Act East Policy" and President moon's new "Southern Policy", which seek better ties with countries in the Indo-pacific region. Bilateral consular relations were established between the two countries in 1962 which were upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973. In course of time, Seoul's open market policies found resonance with India's economic liberalisation and "Look East" as well as "Act East" policies. Consistent Indian support for peaceful reunification of the two Koreas has been well received in the South. A good indication of growing ties between South Korea and India is the fact that Hyundai, Samsung and LG are household names in India. South Korea's traditional food kimchi, made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage, and K-pop star Psy of Gangnam style fame are popular, too. But the dramatic upturn in ties did not happen overnight. India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006. It led to the launch of a joint task force to conclude an agreement called bilateral comprehensive economic partnership or CEPA. It was operationalised on January 1, 2010. Trade and economic relations started to gather momentum following the implementation of CEPA in 2010 and the bilateral trade in 2011 crossed US $20.5 billion, registering a 70 per cent growth over a two-year period. The same year, South Korea's then President Lee Myung-bak visited New Delhi as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations. He raised the ties to the strategic level. One year later, in July 2011, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid a reciprocal visit to South Korea and a civil nuclear energy cooperation was signed during her visit. In the following year, 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan singh travelled to Seoul for bilateral talks and to attend the nuclear security summit. Both sides signed a visa simplification agreement. Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye travelled to New Delhi in January 2014. The joint statement for expansion of strategic partnership issued during the visit unveiled a blue print for further expanding the political, security, defence and economic relations. India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was in Seoul in December 2014, and the defence minister in April, 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Korea in May, 2015. During the visit, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to special strategic partnership. The relationship witnessed new momentum following the inauguration of President Moon Jae-in's administration. PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate President Moon on his election victory. PM Modi's congratulatory tweet in Korean language was well appreciated by President Moon, Korean media and common people. President Moon reciprocated by sending Chung Dongchea, former culture minister, as his special envoy to India, first such instance in the bilateral relationship, and through subsequent announcement to upgrade the relationship with India equivalent to four traditional partners under the "New Asia Community Plus" framework.

India-South Korea relations: How friendship grew over the years

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How do India's growing ties with South Korea and Qatar pose a threat to China

India arrests South Korean CEO, 11 others for gas leak at LG Polymers

India-South Korea relations: How friendship grew over the years