India and Vietnam agree to enhance Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all sectors

New Delhi [India], August 2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh have agreed to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam across all sectors, in response to current geopolitical realities. 

During PM Chinh’s visit, the leaders emphasized their shared perspectives on global issues and supported a stronger role for the Global South in international affairs. They agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and acknowledged the importance of their multi-dimensional institutional mechanisms, which include cooperation in foreign policy, security, defense, trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, and various other fields.

The leaders committed to intensifying bilateral dialogue and welcomed the signing of the Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024-2028. They aim to boost trade from the current level of approximately USD 15 billion and remove trade barriers to facilitate bilateral commerce. Both nations are also reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to simplify trade processes.

India and Vietnam are set to reinforce government and business cooperation to elevate investment and technological partnerships. Vietnam expressed interest in Indian investments in sectors such as infrastructure, high technology, clean technology, and agriculture, while India welcomed Vietnamese investment in agriculture, aquaculture, and other areas.

The leaders praised the successful implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defense Partnership towards 2030, noting advances in defense cooperation. They also acknowledged the importance of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the establishment of centers like the Centre of Excellence for Software Development and Training in Ho Chi Minh City.

They highlighted the role of digital technologies and encouraged collaboration in digital innovation, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Both leaders supported increased student and research exchanges and welcomed the expansion of direct flights, which enhance connectivity and tourism.

PM Modi and PM Chinh emphasized ASEAN Centrality in regional peace and stability and reaffirmed their support for strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They committed to mutual support at international forums, with India appreciating Vietnam's backing for India's permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council.

During his visit from July 30 to August 1, PM Chinh congratulated PM Modi on his third consecutive term and praised India's rising global stature. PM Chinh invited PM Modi to visit Vietnam, marking a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two countries.