Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met to discuss strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. They agreed that closer cooperation is essential given the current geopolitical climate.
The two leaders acknowledged their shared perspectives on global issues and supported a more prominent role for the Global South in international matters, according to a joint statement released after PM Chinh’s visit. They committed to maintaining regular exchanges at all levels based on their excellent bilateral relations.
Both leaders praised the various collaborative mechanisms between their countries in areas such as foreign policy, security, defense, trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, civil aviation, technology, and culture. They decided to enhance dialogue in these areas, particularly through the Joint Commission for Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation, and welcomed the signing of the Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024-2028.
India and Vietnam, as rapidly growing economies, plan to boost trade, investment, and technological partnerships. The leaders aim to increase trade beyond the current level of around USD 15 billion and address trade barriers to facilitate bilateral trade. They hope the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement will lead to a more streamlined trade regime.
Investment opportunities were discussed, with Vietnam welcoming Indian investments in infrastructure, technology, green agriculture, and other sectors. India, in turn, welcomed Vietnamese investments in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. Both countries seek to strengthen their economic ties through mutual investments.
PM Modi and PM Chinh also praised the progress in defense cooperation and the implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defense Partnership towards 2030. They plan to further enhance defense collaboration, contributing to regional stability.
The leaders also highlighted the importance of development cooperation, digital technologies, and educational exchanges. They encouraged greater cooperation in digital infrastructure, space technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. The establishment of the Army Software Park in Vietnam and the Centre of Excellence for Software Development in Ho Chi Minh City were also noted as significant achievements.
They emphasized the role of ASEAN in regional peace and prosperity and supported strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The leaders appreciated the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and committed to further cooperation.
Pham Minh Chinh’s state visit to India included a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he congratulated PM Modi on his third consecutive term. PM Modi praised Vietnam as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, and PM Chinh extended an invitation for PM Modi to visit Vietnam, marking a new phase in the New Delhi-Hanoi partnership.
