Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on issues to strengthen economic and strategic ties in his visit to Seoul next week. Modi will also be awarded the Seoul Peace Prize announced last year.

The two sides are expected to discuss issues, including intensifying cooperation in defence, increasing trade and investments and easing visa rules.

“The Prime Minister will arrive in Seoul on February 21 on a visit that will provide an important occasion for the two leaders to review the recent developments in bilateral relations,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

It will also provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest with the objective of further strengthening the special strategic partnership between the two countries based on shared values and interests, it said.

India is already working on providing the visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from South Korea and the move will enhance people to people contact between the two countries, said Vijay Thakur Singh, MEA Secretary (East).

The Prime Minister will participate in the India-Korea business symposium and will also inaugurate the India-Korea start-up hub, she said.

Moon will hold a private dinner for Modi on the first day of the visit and there will be a ceremonial welcome and official banquet for the Indian PM at the Blue House, the official residence of the South Korean head of state, on February 22.

The same day he will be conferred with the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize at a ceremony to be organised by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in recognition of his national and international contributions.