India, Vietnam elevate ties; PM Modi highlights trade growth, connectivity and strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed Vietnamese President To Lam and underscored a new phase in bilateral relations as both countries elevated ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Addressing a joint press meet at Hyderabad House, PM Modi said the Vietnamese leader’s visit – within a month of assuming office -reflects the priority Vietnam places on its relationship with India. He also noted that President Lam’s visit began in Bodh Gaya, highlighting the deep civilisational and spiritual connections shared by the two nations.

Focus on Heritage and Cultural Ties

PM Modi emphasised the importance of cultural linkages, recalling that Buddhist relics sent from India to Vietnam last year were revered by over 15 million people. He announced that India is working on the restoration of ancient Cham civilisation temples, including those at the My Son Temple Complex and Nhan Tower, and will also digitise Cham manuscripts to preserve shared heritage.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Highlighting economic progress, PM Modi said bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade to reach $16 billion. Both sides have now set a target of increasing trade to $25 billion by 2030.

PM Modi noted that new agreements would enhance access for Indian pharmaceuticals in Vietnam and facilitate exports of agricultural, fisheries, and animal products. “Very soon, Vietnam will taste India’s grapes and pomegranates, and we will enjoy Vietnam’s durian and pomelo,” he said.

PM Modi also announced plans to update the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by the end of the year, aiming to boost trade and investment with ASEAN countries.

Boost to Connectivity and Digital Cooperation

PM Modi highlighted growing air connectivity between the two countries and announced enhanced cooperation between central banks. He said India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Vietnam’s fast payment system would soon be linked, strengthening financial connectivity.

He also stressed the importance of expanding state-to-state and city-to-city partnerships.

Strategic and Regional Cooperation

Calling Vietnam a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and the SAGAR vision, PM Modi said both countries share a common outlook on the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasised that stronger defence and security cooperation would contribute to regional peace, stability, and rule of law.

The Prime Minister also thanked Vietnam for condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack and standing in solidarity with India against terrorism.

Shared Vision for Growth

In his concluding remarks, PM Modi said India and Vietnam are among the world’s fastest-growing economies and expressed confidence that the enhanced partnership would support their aspirations of becoming developed nations.

“Together, we will walk, grow, and win,” he said, invoking the spirit of cooperation and mutual progress.