Conflict between North and South Korea

What is the Conflict in the Korean Peninsula?

The root of the conflict lies in the Japanese occupation of Korea between 1910- 1945.
When Japan was defeated in the Second World War, the Allied forces agreed to establish a “four-power trusteeship over Korea” at the Yalta Conference (1945).
However, the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)invaded Korea and took control of the north while the south remained under the rest of the allies, mainly the USA.
- The division of the two regions was along the 38^th parallel north, which still continues to be the official border dividing the two Koreas.
In 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) were established.
- As both tried to enhance their reach, territorially and ideologically, the Korean Conflict emerged between the two nations.

On 25^th June 1950, North Korea, backed by the USSR, launched an attack on South Korea and occupied most of the country.
- In response, the United Nations force led by the US retaliated.
In 1951, the US forces led by Douglas MacArthur crossed the 38^th parallel and triggered the entry of China in support of North Korea.
- To prevent further escalation, peace talks began later in 1951.
India was actively involved in negotiating peace in the Korean peninsula by engaging all the major stakeholders – the US, USSR, and China.
- In 1952, the Indian resolution on Korea was adopted by the United Nations (UN).
On 27^th July 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed between the UN Command, the Korean People’s Army, and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army.
- It led to an official ceasefire without a Peace treaty. Thus, the war officially never ended.
- This also led to the establishment of the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) – a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula to serve as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea.
In December 1991, North and South Korea signed a pact agreeing to refrain from aggression.

During the Cold War era, the US extended its Nuclear Umbrella (guarantee of support during a nuclear attack) to its allies i.e., South Korea and Japan.
North Korea withdrew from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003 and afterward, under present leader Kim Jong-un, it increased nuclear missile testing.
In response to this, the US started deploying THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) in South Korea in March 2017.
The territorial conflict that started between North and South Korea has transformed into a tussle between the US and North Korea.

In recent years North Korea has accelerated its nuclear program by increasing its nuclear stockpile, withdrawn from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and tested nuclear explosives multiple times.
The USA has deployed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) in South Korea to counter the increasing missile adventurism of North Korea.
North Korea recently demolished the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in Kaesong, which was established in 2018. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the building functioned as a de facto embassy and provided a direct communication channel for the two nations.
Most recently in 2024, North Korea conducted a record number of artillery fires near South Korea.
The firing was done near an island, which is a disputed island between North and South Korea.

India has consistently voiced its opposition to North Korean nuclear and missile tests. However, it has maintained a neutral stance regarding sanctions.
Earlier, during the Korean War (1950- 53), India played a major role in a cease-fire agreement signed between both the warring sides.

In May 2015, the bilateral relationship with South Korea was upgraded to a ‘special strategic partnership’.
- India has a major role to play in South Korea’s Southern Policy under which the latter is looking at expanding relations beyond its immediate region.
- Similarly, South Korea is a major player in India’s Act East Policy under which India aims to promote economic cooperation, and cultural ties and develop strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific.
India has had diplomatic relations with North Korea for over 47 years, which reflects the legacy of India’s commitment to the Non-Alignment Movement.