New Delhi: Amid the political chaos in South Korea following the short-lived martial law and moves to impeach the president, India said on Friday that it is monitoring the developments closely and hoped the situation in that country will stabilise soon.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing:
“We are monitoring the developments in South Korea. We have very strong trade and investment linkages, and defence cooperation, and strong people to people ties, and a large number of Indians are living there.
“We continue to maintain a close watch on the developments, so that if there is any eventuality, these may have a bearing on the Indian nationals and also a bearing on our interests. We maintain a close watch, and hope the situation in the country will stabilise soon.”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol plunged the nation into political turmoil with his shock move on Tuesday night to impose martial law, which was swiftly rescinded by lawmakers.
The declaration of martial law sparked massive protests across the country, and thousands gathered in front of the National Assembly building in Seoul, facing off against police and soldiers who had lined its gates, chanting “no to martial law”.
Political parties have been meeting to discuss the crisis with the vote to impeach Yoon scheduled for Saturday.
Meanwhile, the leader of Yoon’s ruling party has called for his swift suspension.
The opposition coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, needs just eight members of Yoon’s party to impeach him, BBC reported.
Earlier today, Yoon had reportedly planned to visit parliament – where opposition lawmakers joined arms to block him upon hearing the news
Later, the Presidential Office later clarified that he would not be visiting.
The head of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party had accused the president of calling on his military commanders to arrest key political figures on the grounds of them being “anti-state” forces.
UNI
