Context: India Vietnam relations 2026
To Lam is on a state visit to India (May 5–7)—his first after assuming office—with talks focused on trade, critical technologies and maritime defence, as both countries mark 10 years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016).
India–Vietnam Relations
- 1972: Diplomatic relations
- 2007: Strategic Partnership
- 2016: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
→ Among India’s closest partners in Southeast Asia under Act East Policy
Strategic & Defence Core
- Strong focus on maritime cooperation (South China Sea)
- Naval engagement, training, defence credit lines
- Convergence on rules-based Indo-Pacific & freedom of navigation
Trade & Economic Linkages
- Bilateral trade: ~$14.8 billion (2023–24)
- Vietnam = one of India’s top ASEAN trade partners
Trade pattern
- India exports: pharmaceuticals, iron & steel, machinery
- India imports: electronics, telecom equipment, machinery
Present Visit — What Matters
Focus areas:
- Trade expansion
- Critical technologies
- Defence cooperation (maritime)
Symbolic:
- 10-year milestone of upgraded ties (2016)
- Expanding engagement beyond diplomacy → strategic + economic depth
