SEOUL: India and South Korea on Monday signed seven bilateral agreements and agreed to upgrade ties to "special strategic partnership"."The decision to upgrade bilateral ties reflect how seriously we take the new framework of our relationship. Republic of Korea is the second country with which India will have a diplomatic and security dialogue in 2+2 format," PM Modi said while addressing a joint press conference with South Korean President Park Geun-hye in Seoul.PM Modi said that "we consider South Korea a crucial partner in India's economic modernization".India and South Korea also agreed to expand cooperation between our armed forces."We intend to deepen our cooperation in defence technology and manufacture of defence equipment in India. This sector offers huge opportunities in India. I have requested President Park to support the participation of Korean companies in the defence sector in India. Her response has been positive," the PM said.Besides defence equipment, the PM invited Korean investments in areas like ship building, including LNG tankers.PM Modi welcomed South Korea's diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.The Prime Minister said that India and South Korea have common views on maritime security in this region."We discussed our engagement in the East Asia Summit and with ASEAN. We have a shared interest in an open, balanced and inclusive regional architecture. We have common views on maritime security in this region," PM Modi said."We agreed to work together and with other countries in the region to ensure the freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes of communication. Challenges of cyber security and terrorism are also areas of interest to both of us," the PM added.