Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Thursday, 27 August called on Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Hanoi, conveying warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussing ways to translate the two countries' high-level commitments into concrete outcomes. The meeting is part of Margherita's ongoing visit to Vietnam aimed at advancing the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.

Key Developments from the Meeting

During the talks, Margherita recalled the landmark state visit of Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam to India, which resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level. He thanked Prime Minister Hung for his guidance on converting high-level political agreements into tangible results on the ground.

In a post on X, Margherita wrote: 'Honoured to call on H.E. Mr Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister of Vietnam. Conveyed warm wishes on behalf of PM Narendra Modi. Recalled the successful State Visit of General Secretary & President To Lam to India and the elevation of the relationship to ‘Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’. Thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance on how to translate high-level commitments into tangible outcomes.'

Background: India-Vietnam Strategic Ties

The partnership upgrade was formalised in May when Prime Minister Modi and President To Lam held talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. At a joint press conference following those discussions, Modi described Vietnam as a 'key pillar' of India's Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar. President To Lam, in turn, described India as a 'centre of growth and innovation in the world', underscoring the mutual priority both nations place on the relationship.

Capacity Building and Cultural Engagement

On Wednesday, Margherita interacted with alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Hanoi. He noted that India's development partnership and capacity-building initiatives were 'making a tangible difference on the ground' through the participation of a large number of Vietnamese officials and scholars, and expressed hope that more young Vietnamese students would pursue education in India.

Margherita also held discussions with representatives of Vietnam's textile industry, exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration across the textile and apparel value chain — a sector of strategic interest to both economies.

Tribute at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

In a gesture underscoring the civilisational dimension of the bilateral relationship, Margherita paid homage to Vietnam's founding father and former President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum in Hanoi. He described the tribute as honouring 'the deep civilisational bonds between India and Vietnam' that Ho Chi Minh's leadership had strengthened.

What Comes Next

Margherita's visit is expected to set the agenda for follow-up action under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, with sectoral cooperation in textiles, education, and development assistance likely to be formalised in the coming months. The visit signals India's intent to give operational substance to the diplomatic upgrade agreed upon during President To Lam's New Delhi visit.