Context:

• Recently, the External Affairs Minister outlined that Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is in the interests of India and Vietnam.

India and Vietnam Relations

• India and Vietnam relations since their foundations.
• India and Vietnam traditionally close and cordial relations have their historical roots in the common struggle for liberation from foreign rule.
• In 1954, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first visitors to Vietnam.
• In 1958, President Ho Chi Minh went to India. 
• In recent times, India and Vietnam’s political contacts have strengthened as reflected in several high-level visits by leaders from both sides. 
• Trade and economic linkages continue to grow.
• India’s thrust under the ‘Act East’ policy combined with Vietnam’s growing engagement within the region and with India has paid rich dividends.
• Vietnam is an important regional partner in South East Asia. 
• India and Vietnam closely cooperate in various regional forums such as;
  • ASEAN
  • East Asia Summit
  • Mekong Ganga Cooperation
  • Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) besides UN and WTO.  

About Vietnam

• Vietnam is situated in Southeast Asia along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. 
• It is located in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. 

• Vietnam has land borders with three countries:  China, Cambodia and Laos.
• To the south and east, the country is bordered by the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand lies to the southwest.
• The Annam Highlands covers much of the central landscape, and in the southern areas, the coastal lowlands and Mekong River Delta merge. 
• The Red River (Song Hong), and the Mekong are the most significant rivers.

News Source: The Hindu