By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK) announced its much-awaited annual signature event, the Diwali Ball 2025, to be hosted this year at the prestigious Fairmont Ambassador Hotel Seoul on December 5.
After a decade of prestigious gatherings fostering India-Korea business ties and cultural exchange, this year’s event promises an exceptional evening of networking, entertainment, and celebration.
India and South Korea share a robust and growing economic partnership with roots tracing back to the late 1960s and formal diplomatic ties established in 1973. Over the decades, bilateral trade has expanded exponentially—from a modest USD 15 million in the early 1970s to nearly USD 24.4 billion in 2023. The 2009 signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) marked a milestone, significantly boosting trade and investment through progressive tariff reductions and service sector liberalization.
Today, South Korea stands among India’s top trading partners and investors, with major corporations like LG, Samsung, and Hyundai deeply engaged in India’s market. Looking ahead, both nations aim to unlock further potential, targeting USD 50 billion in trade by 2030, underpinned by ongoing negotiations to enhance cooperation in technology, manufacturing, and sustainable industries. This flourishing Indo-Korean economic corridor forms the dynamic backdrop to the ICCK Diwali Ball, celebrating not only cultural ties but also vibrant business relations.
The Diwali Ball has been celebrated continuously for over ten years, with last year’s grand gala hosted at the iconic InterContinental Seoul Parnas. This renowned event gathers top industry leaders, diplomats, and cultural ambassadors to celebrate the spirit of Diwali—the Festival of Lights—while strengthening cross-border business relations and community ties in South Korea. The event featured captivating performances, showcasing the diversity of Indian art forms like Odissi, Kathak, folk dances, and instrumental performances on the sitar, tabla, and harmonium. Adding a modern twist, a K-pop performance by Black Swan and an energetic Taekwondo demonstration by Takewon wave further delighted the audience.
The 2025 edition will feature 60 minutes of mesmerizing Indian Bollywood dance performances by acclaimed dance troupes headed by a renowned Dance Choreographer Mr. Utkarsh Chaturvedi, followed by an Electrifying DJ set from DJ Keidy, Music Director and Art Music Director of FFW NFW, a world-renowned artist who has performed at global hotspots such as Ibiza and New York festivals. Guests will enjoy vibrant rhythms marking the festive occasion and are encouraged to show their moves on the dance floor, making the night lively and unforgettable.
Beyond the festivities, the Diwali Ball offers a prime platform for business networking, inviting professionals and leaders from diverse industries to connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared opportunities.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea invites corporate partners to join this landmark event as sponsors. The title sponsorship is available for 25 million won, alongside platinum sponsorship at 10 million won, gold sponsorship at 5 million won and silver sponsorship at 3 million won. These opportunities come with excellent visibility and engagement benefits, positioning sponsors prominently in the vibrant Indian-Korean business landscape. Tables for the gala are on sale now, with options to reserve prime seating for this not-to-be-missed evening that beautifully blends cultural celebration with business excellence.