Korea and India have resumed negotiations to upgrade their 2010 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (bilateral trade pact), with both countries targeting nearly $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das said talks were held in May and August, the first rounds in roughly two years, and that discussions now have greater momentum and a clearer understanding of each side's priorities. He said the process would add new negotiations, including on digital trade, rather than replace the existing agreement entirely. The trade target was agreed by President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Lee's state visit to New Delhi from April 19 to 21, alongside 15 memorandums of understanding. The goal is nearly 80% above current bilateral trade of about $25 billion. Das also highlighted shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics as a priority cooperation area, with plans to train Indian shipbuilders in India and for a Korean maritime equipment industry association to open its first regional office there. He identified education and worker mobility as major untapped opportunities, noting that only a few thousand Indian students study in Korea while more than a million Indians study abroad each year. The 12th Sarang — The Festival of India in Korea opens in Seoul on Sept. 15 and runs through Sept. 22 across Seoul, Busan, Gimhae, Miryang, Gwangju and Nami Island. An Indian Film Festival will follow in November with six Korean-subtitled films, while a new India Day event will accompany this year's broader cultural program.