On the last night of his state visit to India, President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook attended a state dinner hosted by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind at the Presidential Palace. Today’s event was attended by 70 key dignitaries from both countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Korean delegation.

President Moon said in his dinner remarks that Buddhism, a global religion that had originated in India, formed roots of traditional Korean culture after its introduction. He added that Buddhist beliefs imbued Koreans with the spirit of compassion and equality, bringing the hearts of the two peoples more closely together.

The President went on to say that the Vision Statement announced today incorporated plans for bilateral cooperation and concrete steps. President Moon said he hoped that the two countries would be able to jointly take the lead in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution through mutually beneficial cooperation, leveraging the strengths of both nations. 

Quoting a phrase from the Vedas of India that defines true friends as those who can walk together, move together, think together and resolve problems together, President Moon proposed a toast to the two nations' everlasting friendship and prosperity. 

Prior to the state dinner, President Moon spoke with Indian President Kovind for half an hour. The two Presidents discussed personal interests and ways for the peoples of the two countries to feel closer to each other for the sake of progress in bilateral relations. 

In particular, President Moon highly regarded President Kovind’s lifelong pursuit of compassionate politics to help the marginalized after having overcome hardships from the time he was young. The two leaders also exchanged opinions on governing philosophies aimed at creating a world where the ordinary people lead decent lives, a new just country and a government that sincerely communicates and empathizes with the people.