India's Strategic Engagement with North Korea

India's Strategic Engagement with North Korea

• India's engagement with North Korea began in 1971, motivated by concerns over Pakistan's developing relationship with the country.
• In 1972, R.N. Kao, the founder of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), recommended establishing diplomatic ties with North Korea.
• India's decision to establish diplomatic ties was based on a historical connection between India and Korea dating back to 48 AD with the marriage of Suryaratna, a princess from Ayodhya, to Kim Suro, the King of Korea.
• India opened its first diplomatic mission in North Korea in 1973.
• India's strategic engagement with North Korea intensified in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons.
• India's intelligence agency, RAW, played a crucial role in monitoring North Korea's nuclear ambitions alongside Pakistan's efforts to develop its own nuclear program.
• RAW's presence in North Korea revealed Pakistan's involvement in assisting North Korea's nuclear weapons program, particularly through the exchange of nuclear scientists and technologies facilitated by A.Q. Khan.
• RAW provided intelligence to the US regarding Pakistan's clandestine nuclear activities, involving the transport of sensitive nuclear technology and components to Pakistan.
• India's intelligence gathering in North Korea led to the exposure of A.Q. Khan's nuclear proliferation network, putting pressure on Pakistan to take action against the nuclear scientist.
• In 2001, A.Q. Khan was apprehended and admitted to selling nuclear technology and components to North Korea, Iran, Libya, and Syria.
• Pakistan acknowledged its role in providing clandestine nuclear assistance to North Korea and other states but downplayed the extent of its involvement.
• RAW continued to monitor North Korea, particularly in the 2010s, revealing that Pakistan employed German scientists to assist in its missile development program in collaboration with North Korea.
• RAW's intelligence showed Chinese companies providing logistics and support for transfers of sensitive materials and technology between North Korea and Pakistan.
• India's vigilance towards North Korea's nuclear activities and cooperation with the United States played a key role in preventing potential proliferation and promoting international security.
• India's strategic engagement with North Korea underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and diplomacy in safeguarding national security and regional stability.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Development in Pakistan

• Pakistan announced the development of the Shaheen 3 ICBM in 2020, claiming a range of 2750 kilometers.
• The Shaheen 3 ICBM poses a significant threat to India, as Pakistan can reach any city within a 2750 kilometer radius.

India's Response to Pakistan's ICBM Development

• India shut down its embassy in North Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
• Ambassador Atul Malhari Got Surve was recalled and reassigned to Mongolia in 2022.
• India started gathering evidence of Pakistan's potential collaboration with Chinese companies to develop ICBMs in North Korea.

US Sanctions and India's Countermeasures

• The US sanctioned four Chinese companies: Huabai Hua Chang Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise, Jian Lang De Development Company, and Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry, for aiding Pakistan's ICBM development.
• India reactivated its North Korea embassy in response to these sanctions.
• India is increasing its intelligence presence in North Korea to monitor Pakistan's activities and potential ICBM development.
• India will send a new ambassador to North Korea in January 2024 and establish a listening post there.

Potential Threat from ICBM Development

• Pakistan's ICBM development threatens India, Israel, and the United States.
• China might use Pakistan's ICBMs to target Israel and the US.

Strategic Importance of North Korea

• North Korea is a crucial strategic location for Pakistan's potential ICBM development.
• India's focus on North Korea is critical to monitor and prevent ICBM development that could destabilize the region and beyond.

Explore India's complex diplomatic ties with North Korea, beginning in 1971 and shaped by historical and geopolitical contexts. This quiz delves into the establishment of relations, key events, and the role of India's intelligence agency, RAW, in monitoring nuclear ambitions. Test your knowledge on this significant aspect of India's foreign policy.