SYLLABUS
GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: India and Viet Nam elevated their bilateral ties from a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (ECSP) during the State Visit of the Vietnamese President to India.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
- Political & Strategic: India and Viet Nam upgraded bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on “shared vision, strategic convergence and substantive cooperation”.
- Both sides agreed to implement the India–Viet Nam Plan of Action (2024–2028) and maintain regular high-level engagements.
- Viet Nam reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
- India welcomed Viet Nam’s participation as a BRICS Partner Country, and Viet Nam welcomed India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship.
- Trade & Economic Cooperation: Both countries set a new bilateral trade target of USD 25 billion by 2030.
- Market access was granted for Indian grapes in Viet Nam and Vietnamese durian in India.
- Both sides agreed to accelerate review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
- Cooperation to expand in supply chains, renewable energy, logistics, EVs, digital economy, healthcare and startups.
- Defence & Security: Agreement to deepen cooperation in Joint exercises and naval engagements, Maritime security and hydrography, Defence industrial cooperation and co-production, and Cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
- Both sides welcomed progress in Indian defence Lines of Credit extended to Viet Nam.
- Viet Nam appreciated India’s military training support under the ITEC programme.
- Maritime Cooperation: Viet Nam joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Both countries emphasized freedom of navigation and adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS in the South China Sea.
- Cooperation to expand in Maritime Domain Awareness, oceanography and fisheries.
- Science, Technology & Digital Cooperation: MoUs signed on Digital technologies, QR-code based cross-border payment connectivity and Rare earth cooperation.
- Cooperation to expand in AI, 6G, semiconductors, biotechnology, nuclear technology and critical minerals.
- India welcomed Viet Nam’s interest in joining the Global Biofuels Alliance.
- Health & Pharmaceuticals: Viet Nam agreed to explore the participation of Indian pharmaceutical companies in public procurement from 2027.
- Culture & People-to-People Relations: Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030 signed.
- India appreciated Viet Nam’s support for the International Day of Yoga.
- Viet Nam thanked India for sending the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha for public exposition.
- Both countries agreed to promote Buddhist tourism, educational exchanges and direct flight connectivity.
