India–Vietnam Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Trade, Defence & Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and Vietnam have upgraded their bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following talks between the Indian PM and the Vietnamese President in New Delhi.

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Evolution of India–Vietnam Relations

• Diplomatic Relations (1972): India and Vietnam established full diplomatic relations in 1972.
• Strategic Partnership (2007): Vietnam was India’s first Strategic Partnership within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016): Bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016.
• Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026): Recently both countries upgraded ties further to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, technology, connectivity, and maritime security.

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Key Highlights of the Visit

• Trade and Economic Cooperation: 
  • Trade Expansion: India and Vietnam set a target to increase bilateral trade from about $16 billion to $25 billion by 2030.
  • Pharmaceutical Cooperation: An MoU between drug regulatory authorities will improve access for Indian pharmaceutical products in Vietnam.
  • Agricultural Trade: Trade in agricultural, fisheries, and animal products will be expanded and simplified.
  • Exchange of Agricultural Products: India will export grapes and pomegranates to Vietnam, while Vietnam will export durian and pomelo to India.
• Defence and Security Cooperation:
  • Key Strategic Pillar: Defence and security cooperation was identified as a core pillar of bilateral relations.
  • Defence Technology Cooperation: The two sides agreed to pursue joint research and co-production of defence technologies.
  • Maritime Security: Cooperation in maritime security, maritime safety, hydrography, and search-and-rescue operations will be strengthened.
  • Naval and Air Cooperation: Both sides agreed to enhance port visits by naval vessels and air force aircraft.
• Indo-Pacific and Maritime Issues: 
  • Vietnam Joins IPOI: Vietnam has joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative launched by India.
  • South China Sea: Both countries stressed maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
  • UNCLOS: The leaders reaffirmed commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework governing ocean activities.

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Strategic Importance of the Partnership for India

• Indo-Pacific Balancing: The partnership strengthens India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy amid China’s growing regional assertiveness.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Both countries aim to cooperate in resilient and diversified supply chains.
• Connectivity and Capacity Building: Cooperation will expand in connectivity, digital technology, education, and skill development.
• Regional Stability: India and Vietnam share common interests in maintaining a rules-based regional order.
• ASEAN Outreach: Vietnam remains one of India’s most important strategic partners in Southeast Asia.

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