New Delhi hosted two major diplomatic engagements between India and Vietnam on Wednesday — the 13th Political Consultation and the 10th Strategic Dialogue — aimed at deepening the longstanding Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The discussions were co-chaired by P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam. The talks reviewed the progress made under the strategic framework outlined in the Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People, first introduced by the Prime Ministers of both countries in December 2020. The roadmap for the next phase of cooperation, outlined in the 2024–2028 Plan of Action, was signed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s state visit to India in August 2024.
During the Political Consultation, both sides expressed satisfaction with the evolving ties and discussed cooperation across a wide range of sectors — including defense and security, maritime collaboration, trade, agriculture, energy, digital technology, fintech, science and space, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, culture, and education. The two nations also praised joint development initiatives such as heritage restoration projects, Quick Impact Projects, and scholarship programs like ITEC and e-ITEC, which are improving grassroots ties.
In the Strategic Dialogue segment, the Indian and Vietnamese delegations exchanged views on regional and global affairs of mutual concern. Both countries condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. India acknowledged Vietnam’s consistent support and solidarity in combating terrorism.
India reiterated Vietnam’s importance in its Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision, and the MAHASAGAR initiative, which promotes maritime cooperation and regional peace.
During his trip, Deputy Foreign Minister Cuong also met with key Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor, and Commerce Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal — highlighting the sustained political engagement and alignment of interests between the two strategic partners.
The meetings reinforced the shared commitment to regional stability, economic development, and multilateral cooperation, while cementing Vietnam’s role as one of India’s most reliable and enduring partners in Southeast Asia.
