India, Vietnam Forge Stronger Strategic Partnership for Shared Progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam President To Lam held comprehensive talks to enhance India-Vietnam bilateral relations. They committed to elevating their partnership to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on areas such as trade, security, and cooperation at multilateral forums, marking the 10th anniversary of their strategic ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's President To Lam engaged in extensive discussions on Wednesday, aiming to bolster the full spectrum of India-Vietnam bilateral ties while exchanging perspectives on pivotal regional and global issues, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. Modi extended his congratulations to Lam on his recent election as Vietnam's President and expressed optimism about Vietnam's growth under his leadership. Lam, in return, applauded Modi for India's dynamic economic progress and its efforts to enhance multilateralism and foster Global South cooperation. The leaders emphasized that strengthening India-Vietnam relations will mutually benefit both nations and contribute significantly towards achieving their national objectives, namely India's Viksit Bharat 2047 and Vietnam's Vision 2045.

The leaders acknowledged shared perspectives on global and regional changes and built upon the strong foundation of trust, respect, and mutual cooperation. They consented to upgrade the bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on 'shared vision, strategic convergence, and substantive cooperation.' Anticipating the 10th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026, the leaders agreed on a significant celebration. They commended the decade-long progress in bilateral cooperation, committing to further implementation of decisions from recent engagements, including the 2024 Joint Statement on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Regular high-level exchanges will continue to advance these goals.

Recognizing the India-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group's establishment, the leaders endorsed enhanced legislative cooperation and coordination at global forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union. They affirmed ongoing dialogues across sectors such as defence, trade, and scientific cooperation as vital to bilateral relations. Future plans include meetings to address key areas like security, maritime, health, and technology and the establishment of a Strategic Diplomacy - Defence Dialogue (2+2).

Concluding the discussions, the leaders agreed to expedite executing the Action Plan for 2024-2028. During a preceding press conference, Lam expressed honor in visiting India at Prime Minister Modi's invitation, lauding India's economic advances. He underscored the importance of further deepening political trust, advancing defence and security cooperation, and strengthening economic ties through expanded market access. Vietnam supports India's increased role in multilateral forums, with both leaders agreeing on ensuring peace, stability, and legal maritime conduct. Commemorating 50 years of bilateral relations, they signed diverse cooperation agreements, outlining a new phase in their partnership.