Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh have pledged to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Bharat and Vietnam, citing the need for closer cooperation given the current geopolitical climate. Their agreement reflects a commitment to expand collaboration across various sectors.
In a joint statement issued after Chinh’s visit, both leaders acknowledged their shared perspectives on global issues and voiced support for a stronger role for the Global South in international affairs. They agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels to further solidify their bilateral relations.
Modi and Chinh highlighted the importance of multi-dimensional institutional mechanisms between their nations, covering areas such as foreign policy, security, maritime domain, defence, trade, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and culture. They emphasized the need to boost bilateral dialogue and welcomed the signing of the Plan of Action for 2024-2028.
Both leaders expressed a desire to enhance economic ties, aiming to increase bilateral trade beyond the current USD 15 billion. They discussed the necessity of removing trade barriers and simplifying the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to facilitate smoother trade relations.
Vietnam has welcomed Indian investments in several sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, while India has shown interest in Vietnamese investments in agriculture, technology, and tourism.
The leaders also commended the progress in defence cooperation under the Joint Vision Statement and the establishment of various cooperative frameworks, including the Army Software Park and digital technology initiatives.
Modi and Chinh affirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in digital public infrastructure, space technology, and disaster resilience. They also supported enhanced academic exchanges and praised the increase in direct flights, which have bolstered tourism between the two countries.
Additionally, they reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality in regional stability and endorsed the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Chinh’s visit, which included a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, culminated with an invitation for Modi to visit Vietnam, signaling a new phase in their strategic partnership.
