New Delhi: India and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Addressing a joint press meet with visiting Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the visit reflected the importance both countries place on their relationship.
He noted that the president’s visit, soon after assuming office and accompanied by a high-level delegation and business leaders, underlined the priority given to India-Vietnam ties.
Modi highlighted the deep civilizational and spiritual links between the two nations, pointing out that the Vietnamese leader began his visit to India from Bodh Gaya. He said both sides are working to translate mutual goodwill into tangible outcomes, according to an official statement.
Emphasising the role of shared heritage, he referred to the large public response in Vietnam to the exhibition of Buddhist relics from India and ongoing efforts to restore ancient temples linked to the Champa civilisation. Plans to digitise related manuscripts were also outlined to preserve cultural heritage.
On the economic front, both leaders agreed to expand trade and investment ties. Bilateral trade, which has doubled over the past decade to USD 16 billion, is targeted to reach USD 25 billion by 2030. Measures discussed include improving access to Indian pharmaceutical products in Vietnam and facilitating exports of agricultural and allied products. Both sides also agreed to update the India-ASEAN Trade Agreement to boost regional trade and investment.
The discussions also covered cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy, aimed at strengthening economic security and supply chain resilience.
Connectivity and financial integration were identified as key areas of focus. The two countries plan to enhance air connectivity and deepen cooperation between their central banks, including linking India’s UPI system with Vietnam’s fast payment system. Efforts will also be made to strengthen state-to-state and city-to-city partnerships.
On the strategic front, India reiterated that Vietnam remains a key pillar of its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Both sides share a common outlook on regional security and will continue to work together to promote stability, the rule of law, and prosperity.
The prime minister also expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s support in condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and standing with India in its fight against terrorism.
Highlighting the broader global context, he said both India and Vietnam are emerging as fast-growing economies driven by reforms, governance, and talent. He added that the enhanced partnership would enable both nations to support each other’s growth and long-term development goals.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation and shared progress.
