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.

Sources:
PM India
MEA
The Hindu
MEA