Question 1: Could you please share the significance of the upcoming State Visit to India by General Secretary, President To Lam?
The State Visit to India by General Secretary, President To Lam from May 5 to 7, 2026, carries great significance.
First, this visit is of historic importance as it marks the first time a General Secretary, President of Vietnam is undertaking a State Visit to India. Notably, the visit takes place shortly after the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the consolidation of key leadership positions by the National Assembly. This demonstrates Vietnam’s high regard for India as a close friend and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner. It also reflects Vietnam’s foreign policy as outlined by the 14th Party Congress: independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, and diversification and multilateralization of external relations.
Second, the visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries (2016–2026). India is one of the first three countries with which Vietnam established such a partnership. Over the past decade, bilateral relations have grown increasingly substantive and in-depth, though there remains significant untapped potential. In the context of both countries’ rapid development and evolving regional and global dynamics, the visit offers an opportunity for leaders to review the past decade and chart future cooperation.
Third, the visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the leadership of the two countries and their ruling parties. It also facilitates broader connectivity between ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses, including technology companies, startups, and innovation centers from both sides.
Overall, this State Visit is expected to generate new momentum, open up broader avenues of cooperation, and elevate the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights, commensurate with the potential and standing of both countries in the region and the world. It will bring tangible benefits to people, localities, and businesses, while contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development regionally and globally.
Question 2: On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, how do you assess the key achievements in bilateral cooperation across various fields?
India is among the first partners with which Vietnam established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past decade, bilateral relations have developed comprehensively, substantively, and with increasing depth, becoming one of the most dynamic and effective frameworks of cooperation in the region.
Political cooperation has been steadily strengthened, with growing mutual trust. Leaders of both countries regularly exchange visits and meet on the sidelines of international conferences, demonstrating strong political commitment. There have also been increasing exchanges between ministries and local authorities. Over 20 cooperation mechanisms are currently in place, contributing to effective implementation of bilateral cooperation. Important agreements have been signed and implemented, notably the Joint Vision Statement on Peace, Prosperity and People (December 2020). Both sides share common views on many regional and global issues and coordinate closely at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and other regional mechanisms.
Defense and security cooperation has expanded significantly in both scope and substance. The two sides have adopted a Joint Vision Statement on defense partnership up to 2030, with effective cooperation in training, capacity building, joint exercises, and UN peacekeeping activities.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has become increasingly vibrant. Bilateral trade reached a record of USD 16.46 billion in 2025, up 10.5% compared to 2024 and about 2.5 times higher than in 2016. India is now among Vietnam’s top eight trading partners. As of the end of 2025, India had 473 valid investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of approximately USD 1.1 billion. Vietnamese enterprises have also begun expanding into India, including large-scale projects such as electric vehicle manufacturing in Tamil Nadu.
Cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy, and education continues to be promoted. Many Vietnamese tech companies and startups are exploring opportunities in India, while student exchanges are increasing in both directions.
People-to-people exchanges, culture, and tourism have seen remarkable growth. Vietnam is becoming an attractive destination for Indian tourists, with 746,000 visitors in 2025—an increase of about 50% compared to 2024 and nearly four times the 2019 figure. Direct flight connectivity has surged from a few weekly flights after COVID-19 to nearly 90 flights per week, significantly boosting tourism and exchanges.
Overall, these achievements have laid a solid foundation for a deep, effective, and complementary Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India.
Question 3: In your view, which areas should be prioritized to elevate bilateral relations in the coming period?
The foundations built over the past decade provide favorable conditions for further advancing bilateral relations. The rapid rise of India as a major power, Vietnam’s strong development, and shared visions on regional and global issues create ample opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
Beyond strengthening existing areas, both sides should vigorously promote new fields of cooperation that meet development needs. Innovation should be a key focus to harness opportunities from technological revolutions and digital transformation, contributing to Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2045 and India by 2047. Frameworks and platforms should be established to connect ministries, enterprises, and startups in areas such as high technology, digital economy, green economy, renewable energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation should remain a central pillar, with stronger measures to expand market access and increase bilateral trade in line with the size of both economies. Investment opportunities are also expanding as Vietnamese enterprises grow and Indian companies show increasing interest in Vietnam.
At the same time, people-to-people exchanges, culture, education, and tourism should be prioritized to strengthen the social foundation and long-term ties between the two countries. Shared cultural and historical connections, particularly through Buddhism, provide favorable conditions for academic, artistic, and heritage cooperation. Activities such as cultural festivals, film weeks, and educational exchanges should be promoted. Increasing the number of direct flights is also important, with strong interest from airlines on both sides.
During this State Visit, both sides will have important opportunities to discuss concrete measures to advance these priorities, bringing practical benefits to their people, localities, and businesses, and contributing to their national development goals.
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