Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 6: Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that relations between India and Vietnam have been elevated to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” following bilateral talks with visiting Vietnamese President To Lam at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Describing Vietnam as a key pillar of India’s foreign policy frameworks such as the Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, Modi said the upgraded partnership reflects decades of steadily deepening ties across trade, culture, and technology.
He recalled that during his first visit to Vietnam a decade ago, the country became India’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations. Since then, he said, cooperation has expanded significantly in multiple sectors.
Welcoming President To Lam, Modi noted that the Vietnamese leader chose to begin his India visit from Bodh Gaya, highlighting the shared civilisational and spiritual links between the two nations. He added that the visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation and business leaders, reflects the importance Vietnam attaches to its relationship with India.
The Prime Minister also pointed to growing people-to-people exchanges, citing that over 15 million people viewed Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025, underscoring cultural connectivity between the two countries.
On regional issues, Modi said both nations share converging views on the Indo-Pacific and stressed that expanding defence and security cooperation would contribute to peace, stability, and respect for international law.
He also thanked Vietnam for condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and for expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
Modi added that in a period of global uncertainty and economic challenges, both India and Vietnam are among the fastest-growing economies, driven by governance reforms, talent, and economic resilience.
The upgraded partnership is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries and deepen India’s engagement with ASEAN nations through Vietnam’s support.