The Latest announcement of the reopening of the Indian Embassy at Pyeongyang, North Korea. It has created some questions within the academic community on this decision taken by the Ministry of External Affairs, especially with the fact that New Delhi has been actively engaging with Tokyo and Seoul. 

India is one of the few countries on the Korean Peninsula that maintains bilateral relations with both of its neighboring countries. The narrative of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who was the wife of King Suro of the Geumgwan Gaya dynasty in South-Eastern Korea, is the first historical source of India’s involvement with the region. People believed her to be a princess in the kingdom of Ayuta, presumptively located in Ayodhya. Hyecho, a Buddhist monk, is the author of the book “Wang Ocheonchukguk Jeon,” which is considered the earliest travelogue of India from North-East Asia. This historical exchange continues via the travels of Hyecho.

India’s engagement in the Korean War, during which it offered humanitarian assistance and served as a mediator between the two countries, is the source of the relationship that exists between India and the Korean states in the here and now.

During the time that Lt. General K.S. Thimayya was in charge of the “Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC),” India was in charge of the process of repatriating prisoners of war (POWs). The international community widely recognized this for maintaining a neutral and professional stance, even as the Indian contingent faced hostility from both sides and grappled with handling complaints from the POWs. In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement incorporated Indian measures as an essential component.

On December 10, 1973, India became one of the few countries that had diplomatic posts in both of the Koreas, with embassies in Pyeongyang and Seoul. This position also reflects India’s stance on the Korean Peninsula, advocating for a peaceful reunion of the two countries. The primary aim of India’s engagement with North Korea is to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicine, in addition to engaging in bilateral trade in the region. In spite of this, the sanctions imposed by the United Nations began to have a negative impact on trade by the year 2017. 

India has maintained a firm stance against North Korea’s nuclear program due to the potentially catastrophic influence it has on the security of the area. Additionally, New Delhi is concerned about North Korea’s ongoing involvement with China and Pakistan, particularly in the field of missile and nuclear weapons development. The government of New Delhi is of the opinion that a direct line of communication would enable them to maintain control over their bilateral engagements. Because of its friendly relations with both Koreas, the Indian Embassy is also in a position to serve as a vehicle for prospective engagement between the Quad Countries and North Korea. Additionally, it can leverage its reputation as a potential mediator between the two Koreas. 

Since February 2024, New Delhi has been engaging with nations such as Germany, Sweden, Poland, and the United Kingdom regarding the logistics and operations in Pyongyang. We made this decision after careful consideration. Ambassador Atul M. Gotsurve, who was once the Indian ambassador to North Korea, is currently serving as the Indian ambassador to Mongolia. At this moment, there has been no appointment of an ambassador to the country.

In conclusion, India’s strategic calculation of reviving bilateral ties with North Korea can impact India’s role in the dynamics of East Asia especially at a time where the region is heading towards an uncertain future.