Kamal Ghorui
The real significance of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (VCP) and President of Vietnam To Lam’s visit to India lies in placing the bilateral partnership on an irreversible upward trajectory. The elevation of ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” reflects shared strategic vison, growing geopolitical convergence, expanding economic ambitions, stronger maritime cooperation and deep civilisational linkages.
They signed 13 agreements/MoUs and announced five major initiatives reflecting deepening of relationship. The elevation of bilateral ties indicates five important dimensions.
First, it institutionalises a higher-level cooperation across all sectors under a more integrated framework. This would enable the partners to have a holistic view of the progress. The Strategic Diplomacy-Defence Dialogue (2+2) is soon to be established along with enhanced cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and India’s National Security Council Secretariat.
Second, it demonstrates the broadening of cooperation beyond traditional sectors to emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, digital payments, pharmaceuticals, rare earths, semiconductors, new-age technology and cultural, making the partnership multidimensional, resilient and future-oriented.
Third, the cooperation on maritime issues and the Indo-Pacific would significantly increase. Vietnam’s support to IPOI is particularly significant for promoting peace, stability, and maritime cooperation in the region. Both countries are on important international shipping line providing cross-regional connectivity. They have substantial potential for developing strong, sustainable global supply chain as stated by President Lam in Mumbai.
Fourth, the agreement to target bilateral trade of USD 25 billion by 2030 provides a measurable direction for economic cooperation. The developments reinforce India’s Act East Policy and Vietnam’s role as one of India’s most important ASEAN partners. President Lam’s stress on energy related aspects and enhanced cooperation with Indian businessmen and corporate sectors on a long-term basis reflected Hanoi’s future approach.
Fifth, the visit integrates cultural diplomacy into the broader strategic framework. He first visited Bodh Gaya, highlighting Vietnam’s emphasis on civilisational and Buddhist linkages with India, strengthening long-term people-to-people ties. His mention of historical ties reflected the growing nature of relations.
President Lam came to India on a state visit along with a high-level delegation and top executives at the invitation of PM Modi signalled Hanoi’s policy to establish multidimensional relationship. Besides, within a month of assuming office as both President of Vietnam and General Secretary of VCP, his visit reflected the significance of India in Vietnam’s foreign policy. India was the first country beyond its immediate neighbourhood that the top leader chose to visit in his dual role. The visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership adding strategic significance. The Indian side extended the highest level of welcome to the President of Vietnam and his delegation.
Developments both in Vietnam and India acted as catalyst to elevate the partnership. The 14th National Congress of VCP, while exhorting the need to ‘strengthen diplomacy’, stressed international integration for Vietnam’s economic development. President of Vietnam’s dual responsibility added weight to the visit. His strategic vision integrates national security, economic growth, and long-term strategic planning, underscoring deeper international partnerships to achieve Vietnam’s economic goals and regional peace, while maintaining strategic autonomy.
India has accelerated its diplomatic engagement to finalise trade deals with other countries, concluding agreements with multiple countries and economic blocs, including the UAE, Australia, EFTA nations, the UK, and the EU. These enhance India’s manufacturing credibility, encourage regulatory alignment and position India as a more attractive node in global supply chains.
This was not a sudden development. Over the past decade, all pillars of ties witnessed significant strengthening. There are 20 mechanisms for interaction and cooperation between the two countries, which meet regularly. The convergence on regional and international issues aiming at peace, security and prosperity for the entire region has been maturing. Both pursue the multi-alignment policy. They cooperate with ease at the UN, ASEAN Regional Forum, SCO, BRICS and G-20 outreach.
They share strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s Act East Policy demands peace and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and this is what Vietnam also desires. They emphasise the significance of UNCLOS to settle the dispute peacefully. The concept of Indian MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision aligns with Vietnam supported AOIP and focuses on security and peace and demands joint efforts of all stakeholders. Hanoi’s support to IPOI will be crucial to achieve objectives.
The strategic-political, defence-security, economic, trade and investment cooperation maintained positive momentum, with bilateral trade turnover increasing steadily each year to exceed 16.4 billion USD in 2025. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges also remained a bright spot, with growing numbers of tourists from each country choosing the other as a travel destination.
However, the above boosting of ties also accompanied with the assessment that the full potential of the relationship had not been achieved, despite there were no irritants. This factor was visible in all the interactions. The geopolitical uncertainties and trade disruptions underlined the urgent need for closer ties. These constituted important factors to upgrade partnership.
While the ties have been upgraded, there are challenges to deal with. The need to ensure effective implementation of the agreements cannot be underestimated. A robust high-level implementation and monitoring mechanism with time bound road maps is essential. Connectivity between important business centres should be enhanced. The ease of doing business must be given due attention. Having joint ventures will reduce production costs and transportation time. The centrality of alternative strong global supply line in the current geopolitical uncertainties must be prioritised. Dealing with China would demand closer cooperation to protect their interests, while avoiding conflicts. Though Vietnam-India relations possess enormous strategic and economic potential, they need to be tapped effectively to ensure mutual benefits.
In essence, President Lam’s visit was a grand success, marking a significant leap forward in the evolving relationship. The visit and accompanying policy initiatives have generated robust momentum for cooperation, portending a distinct possibility of the emergence of the India-Vietnam partnership as one of the most consequential and stable group in Asia in the coming period.
END OF ARTICLE
