India-Vietnam elevate ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Synopsis
India and Vietnam have upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreeing to deepen defence procurement, reaffirm South China Sea navigation rights, and jointly condemn cross-border terrorism — a significant strategic signal in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
India and Vietnam elevated bilateral ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 7 May 2025 .
Both sides agreed to enhance defence systems procurement and welcomed progress on Defence Lines of Credit extended by India.
Leaders reaffirmed freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and called for adherence to UNCLOS 1982 .
Both nations unequivocally condemned terrorism , including cross-border terrorism, and called for zero tolerance.
Vietnam welcomed India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship ; India reaffirmed support for Vietnam as a BRICS partner country.
Vietnam recognised as a key pillar of India's Act East Policy , Vision MAHASAGAR , and Indo-Pacific Vision .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, agreed to elevate the India-Vietnam bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, framed around the spirit of 'shared vision, strategic convergence, substantive cooperation'. The two leaders also decided to enhance defence systems procurement between the two countries and welcomed steady progress in the implementation of Defence Lines of Credit extended by India to Vietnam, which have further strengthened Vietnam's defence capabilities.
Key Developments from the Summit
To Lam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is on a three-day visit to India. He held wide-ranging discussions with PM Modi in New Delhi, during which both leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. According to the Joint Statement released after the meeting, President To Lam congratulated PM Modi for
Point of View
The joint condemnation of cross-border terrorism, a phrase India typically deploys with Pakistan in mind, appearing in an India-Vietnam statement reflects how broadly India is now weaving its security messaging into bilateral frameworks. The real test will be whether the elevated partnership translates into concrete procurement deals and joint production timelines, or remains a statement of intent.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam?
It is an upgraded bilateral framework announced on 7 May 2025, built around 'shared vision, strategic convergence, substantive cooperation'. It elevates the previous Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is aimed at translating goodwill into tangible outcomes across defence, trade, and regional cooperation.
What did India and Vietnam agree on defence cooperation?
The two countries agreed to enhance defence systems procurement and welcomed the steady progress in India's Defence Lines of Credit to Vietnam. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in joint exercises, staff talks, co-production of defence technologies, naval port calls, maritime security, and search and rescue operations.
What did India and Vietnam say about the South China Sea?
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They called for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, and urged early conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct.
How does Vietnam fit into India's Act East Policy?
The Joint Statement recognised Vietnam as a key pillar of India's Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Vision, driving India's engagement with the Mekong sub-region, ASEAN, and the broader Indo-Pacific. India also reaffirmed consistent support for ASEAN Unity and ASEAN Centrality.
What was said about terrorism in the India-Vietnam Joint Statement?
Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for zero tolerance, disruption of terror financing networks, dismantling of terror infrastructure, and swift justice for perpetrators, including through the UN and FATF.
