Seoul, Nov 6 (IANS): With growing defence ties between India and South Korea, the Indian embassy opened a defence wing at its embassy here.

Col. Ajay Chandpuria, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, has assumed charge as the first resident Defence Attache of India accredited to South Korea, said a press release issued by the embassy.

South Korea has already opened a defence wing in New Delhi.

Bilateral relations between India and South Korea have made great strides in recent years and the relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership in January 2010 during the successful visit to India by President Lee Myung-bak.

India-South Korea defence cooperation has intensified over the years, and the visit by India's Defence Minister A.K. Antony to South Korea in September 2010 gave further momentum to this growing engagement. This visit had led to India's decision to set up a defence wing in Seoul.