Writer: Khushi Yadav (Delhi, India)

Editor: Pooja Vishwanathan (Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

Asia’s history has always been a story of the sea. Through the waters of trade, culture, and ideas, people, knowledge, and inventions moved, leading to new opportunities. The ideas of connection and prosperity that APEC values today have roots that go back thousands of years. The exchanges between India and Gyeongju are clear proof of this.

Traces of India in Language

Cultural exchanges are often seen in things we can see, but they also appear in language.

Linguists have found words in the Korean language that have their roots in Tamil. This isn’t just a chance similarity, but a strong sign that there were real exchanges—between people and goods—between Southern India and the Korean Peninsula in ancient times. These signs, found in language, religion, technology, and daily life, show that Gyeongju was more than just the capital of the Korean Peninsula. It was the main hub of civilization within Asia’s sea routes.

The Values of APEC and the India-Gyeongju Bond 

Today, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a new model of regional teamwork.

The values of connection, innovation, and prosperity that APEC supports perfectly match the spirit of the relationship between India and Gyeongju.

• Connection: The journey of Princess Heo Hwang Ok created a link between India and Korea, spanning thousands of kilometers across the sea.

• Innovation: India introduced ironworking, new farming methods, and Buddhist ideas, which brought big changes to Silla society.

• Prosperity: These exchanges led to Gyeongju and Silla’s golden age, helping to build a stronger Asian civilization.

Silla and India’s Maritime Trade – A Reflection of  APEC’s Vision

The trade between ancient Korea’s Silla kingdom and India is an early example of the Asia-Pacific connection, similar to the way APEC works now.

Centuries ago, Indian traders sailed across the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca to reach the Korean Peninsula. They brought spices, gems, textiles, and Buddhism, leaving a big mark on Silla’s culture and economy. In return, Silla sent gold, ceramics, and ginseng, helping both sides grow together.

This ongoing legacy demonstrates APEC’s commitment to moving forward by enhancing trade, investment, and cultural connections.

Just like Silla and India once grew through open trade routes, APEC today is working for a connected future through trade, sustainable development, and sharing ideas. This traditional approach to collaboration still offers valuable lessons for today’s economic partnerships.

India and APEC: Connecting History With The Present

This history of exchange is still important today.

Even though India is not yet part of APEC, it has shown strong interest in joining. This shows that India wants to keep its role in helping Asia grow through trade, just like it did in the past. If India becomes an official APEC member, it would symbolize a new chapter in the journey from Ayodhya to Gyeongju, through modern economic work. India’s strong talent, advanced IT, and fast-growing economy fit perfectly with APEC’s goal of encouraging innovation and shared progress in Asia.

The interactions between Silla and India went beyond the exchange of goods. They also built a network of knowledge through diplomats, monks, engineers, and artists. This set the stage for the kind of people-to-people exchange and sharing of ideas that APEC supports today. Just as Indian monks once traveled with Buddhist texts to Silla, today’s researchers, innovators, and young professionals share knowledge and creativity across borders. The idea of exchanging people across the sea from the past is still alive today, through digital technology and growing startup communities.

Ancient trade wasn’t just about making money—it also focused on using resources wisely and protecting the environment.

The sea routes between India and Silla relied on eco-friendly sailing, using winds and ocean currents. This early example of using the sea sustainably reflects what APEC now emphasizes as “sustainable ocean development.” Today, the Asia-Pacific region faces shared challenges like climate change, managing ocean resources, and supporting the environment through friendly maritime practices. 

Have you heard about APEC? What are your views about India becoming a member? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.