The conflict in the Korean Peninsula has its roots in the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. At the end of the Second World War, the Allied forces agreed to establish a “four-power trusteeship over Korea” at the Yalta Conference in 1945. However, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) invaded Korea and took control of the northern region, while the southern region remained under the control of the other allies, primarily the USA. This division along the 38th parallel north became the official border separating the two Koreas and remains so to this day.
The Korean War and Armistice Agreement
On June 25, 1950, North Korea, backed by the USSR, launched an attack on South Korea, occupying most of the country. The United Nations force, led by the US, retaliated. In 1951, US forces crossed the 38th parallel, causing China to enter the war in support of North Korea. Peace talks began later that year, leading to the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953. This agreement established a ceasefire and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone between North and South Korea. The war, however, never officially ended as no peace treaty was signed.
The US-North Korea Conflict
During the Cold War, the US extended its Nuclear Umbrella (a guarantee of support during a nuclear attack) to its allies, including South Korea and Japan. North Korea withdrew from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003 and subsequently increased nuclear missile testing under current leader Kim Jong-un. As a countermeasure, the US deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea in March 2017. Consequently, the territorial conflict that initially only involved North and South Korea has evolved into a dispute between the US and North Korea.
Recent Acts of Aggression by North Korea
In recent years, North Korea has accelerated its nuclear programme by increasing its nuclear stockpile, withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and conducting several nuclear explosive tests. In response, the US deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea to counter growing missile threats from North Korea. The prevailing tension was further exacerbated when North Korea dismantled the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in Kaesong in 2022 and performed a record number of missile tests.
India’s Position on the Korean Conflict
India has consistently opposed North Korean nuclear and missile tests but has maintained neutrality regarding sanctions. During the Korean War, India played a significant role in brokering the cease-fire agreement between the warring sides. The bilateral relationship with South Korea was upgraded to a ‘special strategic partnership’ in May 2015, reflecting India’s commitment to promoting economic cooperation, cultural ties and developing strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the volatile situation, India has maintained diplomatic relations with North Korea for over 47 years, reflecting India’s commitment to the Non-Alignment Movement.
The Way Forward
With the global economic conditions deteriorating significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea may aim to strengthen its frail economy. It is also likely that dialogue among North Korea, the United States, South Korea, Japan and other stakeholders on the Korean Peninsula will resume. At this point, India could play a crucial role in promoting peace and security in the region. Engaging with North Korean leadership could prove beneficial for India in such foreseeable circumstances.