Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Vietnam as a major pillar of India’s Act East Policy, highlighting the growing strategic and economic relationship between the two nations.

The statement came during the visit of To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee and current Vietnamese President, to India.

The high-level diplomatic engagement reflects the increasing importance of India-Vietnam relations in the broader Indo-Pacific region and ASEAN cooperation framework.

The meeting between the leaders focused on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors including:

• Trade
• Defence
• Connectivity
• Maritime security
• Technology
• Regional cooperation

India and Vietnam have steadily deepened bilateral ties over the past several years, with both countries increasingly aligning on strategic and economic interests.

PM Modi Highlights Importance Of Vietnam

During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi stated that Vietnam remains a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

The Act East Policy is India’s strategic initiative aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and strategic relations with countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

By calling Vietnam a “major pillar” of this policy, Modi underlined the strategic importance New Delhi places on its relationship with Hanoi.

India sees Vietnam as an important regional partner because of:

• Strong diplomatic relations
• Growing economic cooperation
• Strategic maritime location
• Shared Indo-Pacific interests

The remarks also reflect India’s intention to further expand engagement with ASEAN nations.

Who Is To Lam

To Lam is one of Vietnam’s most powerful political leaders.

He currently serves as:

• General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee
• President of Vietnam

His visit to India is considered significant because it signals continued strengthening of political and strategic ties between the two countries.

High-level visits between India and Vietnam have increased in recent years as both nations seek stronger regional cooperation.

India-Vietnam Relations Have Strengthened Over The Years

India and Vietnam share a long-standing relationship based on mutual trust and strategic cooperation.

The bilateral partnership has expanded significantly across sectors such as:

• Defence
• Energy
• Infrastructure
• Pharmaceuticals
• Technology
• Trade

Both countries also cooperate closely in multilateral forums and support a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership several years ago, reflecting the growing depth of ties.

Importance Of The Act East Policy

India’s Act East Policy plays a major role in shaping its foreign policy engagement with Southeast Asian countries.

The policy aims to strengthen:

• Economic integration
• Trade connectivity
• Strategic cooperation
• Cultural exchanges
• Security partnerships

ASEAN countries hold major importance under this policy because of their growing role in global trade and regional geopolitics.

Vietnam has emerged as one of India’s most trusted partners within ASEAN.

Strategic Importance Of Vietnam For India

Vietnam holds major strategic significance for India due to its location in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea region.

The country plays an important role in:

• Maritime trade routes
• Regional security dynamics
• Indo-Pacific cooperation

India and Vietnam share similar views regarding:

• Freedom of navigation
• Regional stability
• Respect for international law

Both countries have repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Cooperation Between India And Vietnam

Defence ties between India and Vietnam have grown significantly in recent years.

The two countries cooperate in areas including:

• Naval exercises
• Military training
• Defence equipment support
• Maritime security

India has also supported Vietnam in strengthening its defence capabilities.

The growing defence partnership reflects shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Maritime cooperation has become especially important due to increasing geopolitical competition in Asian waters.

Growing Economic Relations

Trade and economic cooperation between India and Vietnam have expanded steadily.

The two countries are focusing on increasing bilateral trade in sectors such as:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Electronics
• Manufacturing
• Information technology

Vietnam has emerged as an important trade and investment destination in Southeast Asia.

India is also exploring opportunities to expand business partnerships and supply chain cooperation with Vietnam.

Economic engagement is expected to remain a key pillar of bilateral relations in the coming years.

Cooperation In Technology And Digital Economy

India and Vietnam are increasingly collaborating in technology and digital transformation.

Areas of cooperation include:

• Digital infrastructure
• Innovation
• Cybersecurity
• Information technology
• Start-up ecosystems

India’s growing digital economy experience provides opportunities for collaboration with Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam.

Technology partnerships are becoming increasingly important in global economic competitiveness.

Regional And Global Cooperation

India and Vietnam cooperate closely in international and regional forums.

Both countries engage through:

• ASEAN-related platforms
• Indo-Pacific initiatives
• United Nations forums
• Multilateral diplomatic engagements

The partnership supports broader regional stability and economic cooperation.

India views ASEAN as central to its Indo-Pacific strategy, and Vietnam plays an important role within ASEAN.

Indo-Pacific Vision And Maritime Security

The Indo-Pacific region has become a major focus area for global strategic cooperation.

India and Vietnam both support:

• Open sea routes
• Freedom of navigation
• Peaceful dispute resolution
• International maritime law

Maritime security cooperation has therefore become an important component of bilateral ties.

The South China Sea region remains strategically important for global trade and geopolitical stability.

Cultural And Historical Relations

India and Vietnam also share strong cultural and historical links.

Buddhist heritage and historical exchanges have contributed to people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Educational and cultural exchanges continue to strengthen mutual understanding.

Tourism and academic cooperation are also gradually expanding.

Why Vietnam Matters To India’s Foreign Policy

Vietnam’s importance to India’s foreign policy has grown due to several reasons.

Strategic Geography

Vietnam’s location in Southeast Asia makes it a key regional partner.

ASEAN Influence

Vietnam is an influential ASEAN member nation.

Economic Growth

Vietnam has become one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

Shared Strategic Interests

India and Vietnam both support a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

These factors make Vietnam an important component of India’s regional strategy.

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