The relationship between India and Vietnam has evolved into a multi-faceted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, defence collaboration, trade, cultural ties, and shared regional interests. The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, held in New Delhi in August 2025, highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations, particularly in emerging areas such as Cyber Security, Military Medicine, and Information Security.
14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue: Key Outcomes
Strengthened Defence Cooperation
The Dialogue reviewed progress achieved since the signing of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 (June 2022). This document set a long-term roadmap for defence collaboration between the two nations.
Key takeaways include:
- India reiterated its willingness to leverage its domestic defence industry to enhance Vietnam’s defence capabilities.
- A Letter of Intent was signed to expand cooperation in training, exchange of instructors, and expert-level engagements.
Vietnam’s Five-Point Cooperation Proposal
Vietnam proposed five primary areas of defence cooperation:
- Delegation exchanges and dialogue
- Staff-level talks
- Service-to-Service cooperation
- Education and training
- Defence industry collaboration
India’s Additional Proposals for Emerging Areas
India welcomed Vietnam’s framework and suggested collaboration in:
- Cyber Security
- Information Security
- Military Medicine
- Submarine Search and Rescue operations
This approach reflects the shared vision of both countries to modernize their defence cooperation in response to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: 2024–2028 Roadmap
India and Vietnam have launched a five-year plan (2024–2028) to expand their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership beyond defence. Key initiatives include:
- Strengthening Economic & Trade Relations: Vietnam aims to raise bilateral trade to USD 20 billion by 2028, from USD 14.8 billion recorded in FY 2023–24.
- Technology and Digital Connectivity: Central banks of both countries agreed to establish digital payment connectivity, streamlining cross-border trade transactions.
- Credit Line Support: India announced a USD 300 million credit line to support Vietnam’s security and development projects.
- Infrastructure & Development Cooperation: Both nations plan to collaborate in renewable energy, healthcare, information technology, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Historical Ties Between India and Vietnam
Shared Anti-Colonial Legacy
India and Vietnam share deep historical connections rooted in their common struggle against colonial rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Ho Chi Minh inspired their nations toward freedom, fostering a bond of solidarity that continues to influence relations today.
Diplomatic Milestones
- India played a pivotal role in the 1954 Geneva Accord, facilitating peace in Vietnam.
- Full diplomatic relations were established on 7 January 1972.
- Bilateral ties were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2007 and further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
- The Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People (2020) serves as the guiding framework for bilateral cooperation.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Engagement
Trade Growth and Key Sectors
In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade between India and Vietnam stood at USD 14.82 billion.
- India’s exports: USD 5.47 billion
- Vietnam’s exports: USD 9.35 billion
Key Indian exports:
- Engineering goods
- Agricultural products (meat, fishery products, spices)
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Key imports from Vietnam:
- Electronics and mobile phones
- Machinery and equipment
- Steel and other metals
Investments
- India has 378 projects in Vietnam, with total investment exceeding USD 1.1 billion.
- Key sectors: energy, mineral processing, IT, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, and infrastructure.
- Vietnamese investments in India stand at USD 28.55 million, covering consumer goods, electronics, IT, and construction.
Defence Cooperation: A Core Pillar
Defence collaboration has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of India and Vietnam relations.
Institutional Framework
- A Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation was signed in 2009.
- A Joint Vision Statement was signed in 2015, followed by a new Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030 in 2022.
- A Mutual Logistics Support Agreement further strengthened operational cooperation.
Recent Milestones
- June 2022: India delivered 12 High-Speed Guard Boats to Vietnam.
- 2023: India gifted INS Kirpan, an indigenously built missile corvette, to Vietnam.
- December 2023: A 50-member Indian contingent participated in VINBAX-2023 military exercise in Vietnam.
- February 2024: Vietnam’s navy participated in India’s MILAN Naval Exercise, showcasing deep maritime cooperation.
Cultural, Educational & People-to-People Ties
Cultural Cooperation
The Swami Vivekananda Indian Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Hanoi plays a key role in promoting Indian art, dance, yoga, and philosophy. Regular cultural exchanges, seminars, and exhibitions strengthen soft-power diplomacy.
Education and Training
- Vietnam is a key partner under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which provides short-term courses to over 200 Vietnamese professionals annually.
- Around 50 scholarships are offered every year to Vietnamese students by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- The ASEAN PhD Fellowship Programme has received significant participation from Vietnam.
Tourism & Indian Community
- Direct flights resumed in October 2020, revitalizing tourism.
- Approximately 8,500 Indians live in Vietnam, mostly professionals in IT, trade, energy, and hospitality sectors.
Vietnam: A Snapshot
- Location: Southeast Asia, bordering China, Laos, Cambodia; maritime boundaries with Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Capital: Hanoi; Largest City: Ho Chi Minh City.
- Geography: 40% mountainous; Fansipan (3,143 m) is the highest peak.
Why India and Vietnam Relations Are Crucial in 2025
- Vietnam is a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and an important player in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Growing defence and digital cooperation enhance strategic security in a multipolar Asia.
- Strong trade and investment links aim to make India and Vietnam economic powerhouses in Southeast Asia.
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