Context:

India and Vietnam held the 13th Political Consultation and the 10th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. The talks were co-chaired by Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), P. Kumaran, and Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Manh Cuong. These regular meetings are important to review and advance cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Review of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

• Both sides assessed progress under the Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People adopted in December 2020.
• They discussed implementation of the Plan of Action for 2024-2028 signed in August 2024 during the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit to India.

2. Defence and Security Cooperation

• India and Vietnam agreed to expand defence cooperation, especially in maritime security.
• They discussed joint naval exercises, information sharing, and capacity building.
• Both sides stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

3. Economic and Trade Engagement

• Strengthening trade and investment ties was a major focus.
• Cooperation will deepen across sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, information technology, digital payments, and fintech.
• The two countries agreed to promote connectivity and explore new areas of collaboration in science, technology, and space applications.

4. Cultural and Development Cooperation

• Both countries expressed satisfaction with ongoing development projects, including heritage conservation and restoration.
• Quick Impact Projects, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and e-ITEC training programmes, and scholarships are supporting Vietnam’s development needs.

5. Counterterrorism Cooperation

• India and Vietnam unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.
• The Indian side appreciated Vietnam’s consistent support to India’s fight against terrorism.

6. Regional and International Issues

• Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
• Vietnam’s role as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy, the MAHASAGAR Vision, and the Indo-Pacific vision was reaffirmed.

India-Vietnam Relations: 

Vietnam holds the 84th position in FDI equity inflows into India, with cumulative FDI of US$12.69 million from April 2000 to September 2024. Vietnam occupies a central place in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

·        In 2023–24, bilateral trade reached US$14.81 billion. Indian exports stood at US$5.47 billion, and imports from Vietnam at US$9.34 billion. Vietnam is diversifying trade and tapping India’s growing market.

·        Major Vietnamese exports to India include mobile phones and components, computers, electronics, chemicals, plastics, rubber, coffee, pepper, and cashew.

·        Key Indian exports to Vietnam are iron and steel products, textiles, fishery products, corn, pharmaceuticals, and auto spare parts.

·        India is Vietnam’s 8th largest trading partner, while Vietnam is India’s 15th largest trading partner and 4th in Southeast Asia.

·        Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation framework, India funds Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) valued at US$50,000 each. India has 317 valid projects worth over US$1 billion in Vietnam, ranking 23rd out of 129 investing countries.

Conclusion:

The 13th Political Consultation and 10th Strategic Dialogue have further strengthened the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries have set clear priorities for deeper cooperation in security, trade, culture, and regional affairs. The talks underscored the shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.