India–Vietnam 13th Political Consultation & 10th Strategic Dialogue.

On June 25, 2025, New Delhi hosted the 13th Political Consultation and 10th Strategic Dialogue between India and Vietnam. These meetings were co-chaired by Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and H.E. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam.

During his visit, Deputy FM Cuong also met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor, and Commerce Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. These engagements underscore the depth and momentum in India–Vietnam bilateral ties.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:

Joint Vision & Plan of Action

India and Vietnam reviewed the progress of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is guided by two foundational documents:

• Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People (adopted in December 2020)

• Plan of Action for 2024–2028 (signed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit to India in 2024)

These documents lay out a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural spheres.

Sector-Wise Cooperation

The dialogue touched on collaboration across numerous sectors:

• Defence and Security

• Maritime Affairs

• Trade and Investment

• Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals

• Energy and Climate Action

• Space and Digital Innovation

• Science and Technology

• Education, Tourism, and Culture

Both sides acknowledged the effective implementation of ongoing programs and agreed to boost future engagements in these domains.

Security Cooperation & Counter-Terrorism:

India and Vietnam reaffirmed their strong resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms. Both nations condemned cross-border terrorism and emphasized the need for global cooperation on this issue. India appreciated Vietnam’s consistent support on matters related to international security and counter-terrorism.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also noted the positive momentum of the partnership and highlighted Vietnam’s growing strategic importance in India’s security vision.

Cultural Diplomacy & Spiritual Ties:

Lord Buddha Relics Exhibition

A major highlight in recent India–Vietnam cultural ties was the exhibition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Vietnam in May 2025. The display attracted more than 14 million visitors, becoming a powerful symbol of the nations’ shared Buddhist heritage and deep spiritual bonds.

Educational and Cultural Initiatives

• Restoration of ancient heritage sites in Vietnam with Indian support

• Scholarships for Vietnamese students in Indian universities

• Professional and technical training through ITEC and e-ITEC programs

• Promotion of yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian languages through cultural centers

These efforts continue to enhance the warmth of people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Strategic and Regional Outlook:

Role in Indo-Pacific & MAHASAGAR

India reiterated Vietnam’s pivotal role in its Act East Policy, the MAHASAGAR Oceans Initiative, and the broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Both sides expressed concern over developments in the South China Sea and agreed on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability.

They also shared views on key global developments, including:

• Ongoing conflict in Ukraine

• Supply chain resilience

• Post-pandemic economic recovery

• Strengthening multilateral cooperation under ASEAN, CDRI, and other platforms

Historical & Diplomatic Context:

India and Vietnam’s relationship is built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared history:

• Diplomatic relations were established in January 1972

• Elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2007

• Upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016

• Regular high-level visits, joint commissions, and dialogue mechanisms ensure strong institutional ties

These milestones reflect an enduring and evolving bond between two civilizational states.

Trade and Economic Engagement:

India and Vietnam have seen a steady rise in bilateral trade and investment:

• Bilateral trade stood at $14.8 billion in 2023–24

• India’s exports include engineering goods, Agri-products, and pharmaceuticals

• Imports from Vietnam include electronics, rubber, and chemicals

• Indian investments in Vietnam total nearly $2 billion, spanning energy, IT, agro-processing, and more

Companies like ONGC Videsh are actively exploring opportunities in Vietnam’s energy sector, while Vietnamese businesses are showing growing interest in the Indian market.

Defence and Maritime Cooperation:

Defence ties form a cornerstone of the strategic partnership:

• Regular joint military exercises such as VINBAX

• India’s gifting of the INS Kirpan missile corvette to Vietnam in 2023

• High-level defence dialogues and logistics cooperation

• Strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific for maritime security and freedom of navigation

The two nations continue to build interoperability and trust through training programs and personnel exchanges.

People-to-People & Cultural Bonds:

The cultural ties between India and Vietnam are deep-rooted:

• Strong Buddhist connections attract Vietnamese pilgrims to Bodh Gaya and Sarnath

• Indian cultural centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City promote dance, music, yoga, and language

• Tourism is on the rise, with over 390,000 Indian tourists visiting Vietnam in 2023

• Direct flights by IndiGo, VietJet, and Air India have strengthened connectivity

These exchanges go beyond diplomacy—they build bridges of understanding and respect between citizens.

Why This Dialogue Matters:

The 13th Political Consultation and 10th Strategic Dialogue highlight the mature and multidimensional nature of India–Vietnam relations. The partnership now goes far beyond government-level cooperation and includes:

• Regional stability and strategic alignment

• Deep economic and digital engagement

• Strong cultural and educational exchange

• A shared vision for a peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific

What to Expect Next:

• Implementation of the 2024–2028 Plan of Action across key sectors

• New defence and maritime initiatives under the MAHASAGAR framework

• More people-focused programs like Quick Impact Projects and scholarships

• Enhanced cooperation in global platforms and multilateral institutions

Final Thoughts:

India and Vietnam are not just friends—they are strategic partners with a shared destiny in the Indo-Pacific. As both countries continue to navigate a complex global environment, this dialogue cements their commitment to building a future based on peace, prosperity, and cultural harmony.

The spirit of cooperation witnessed in June 2025 will shape not just bilateral ties but also contribute meaningfully to the region's collective resilience and progress.