India and Vietnam Strengthen Ties with Nine New Agreements: A Boost to Strategic Partnership

India and Vietnam have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations by signing nine new agreements aimed at strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. This development, announced by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlights a deepening collaboration between the two nations across various sectors including customs, agriculture, legal matters, broadcasting, culture, and tourism.

Key Developments in the Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam

Bilateral Talks and Agreement Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held comprehensive talks in New Delhi, resulting in a series of agreements designed to enhance the India-Vietnam relationship. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening economic, strategic, and cultural ties to capitalize on Vietnam's rapid economic growth. The bilateral trade between the two countries has reached $15 billion, and both leaders expressed their commitment to further boosting this figure.

 India and Vietnam Shared Vision for Global Affairs

During their discussions, both leaders acknowledged their shared worldview and voiced support for a more prominent role for the Global South in international affairs. This mutual understanding reinforces their commitment to a balanced and inclusive global order.

 India and Vietnam Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors

Economic and Trade Relations between India and Vietnam

The agreements encompass a broad range of sectors, including trade and investment. Both India and Vietnam have committed to increasing bilateral trade and removing trade barriers to facilitate smoother economic exchanges. The ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement aims to create a more user-friendly trade regime for both countries.

India and Vietnam are also keen to enhance their economic cooperation by promoting investments in various industries. Vietnam has welcomed Indian investments in high-tech sectors, clean technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. Conversely, India is open to Vietnamese investments in areas such as agriculture, digital technology, and healthcare.

Defense and Strategic Cooperation between India and Vietnam

The leaders commended the successful implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defense Partnership towards 2030. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, including dialogues, training, and capacity-building initiatives. This collaboration is expected to contribute to greater stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Technological and Educational Exchanges between India and Vietnam

In recognition of their shared priorities for digital transformation and energy transition, both countries have agreed to foster greater cooperation in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, and biotechnology. The establishment of the Army Software Park at Telecommunications University in Nha Trang, supported by India, is a notable development in this regard.

Cultural and Tourism Enhancements between India and Vietnam

India and Vietnam have also pledged to boost cultural and tourism exchanges. The increase in direct flights between the two nations is expected to further enhance travel and tourism flows. Both leaders agreed on the significance of expanding connectivity and promoting mutual tourism.

Conclusion

The signing of these nine agreements marks a new chapter in India-Vietnam relations, reinforcing their strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across multiple domains. This development reflects a shared vision for a prosperous and stable Indo-Pacific region, with both countries committed to enhancing their bilateral ties and contributing to regional and global stability.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Chinh’s strategic dialogues underscore the importance of their partnership, with future collaborations expected to further bolster economic, defense, and cultural ties. The visit also highlighted Vietnam's recognition of India’s growing global influence, with PM Chinh extending an invitation to PM Modi to visit Vietnam, signaling a continued deepening of the bilateral relationship.