Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has reaffirmed that Vietnam values and gives high priority to its relationship with India, describing the country as a 'loyal, trusted and longstanding friend' with deep historical and cultural bonds. The remarks were made during a meeting with India's Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa in Hanoi on Tuesday, 24 June, according to local media reports.

Key Developments from the Hanoi Meeting

During the bilateral meeting, Tran Thanh Man praised Ambassador Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa's active role in advancing ties between the two nations, particularly his contributions in coordinating arrangements for Vietnam President To Lam's recent State visit to India. Man also conveyed his greetings to Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expressing his wish to welcome Indian parliamentary leaders to Vietnam in the near future.

A formal invitation from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was handed over by the Ambassador to Tran Thanh Man, inviting him to visit India at a mutually convenient time. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that the Government of India accords the highest priority to this visit and remains committed to strengthening ties between the two Parliaments.

Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

India and Vietnam currently share what is formally designated as an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (ECSP) — a status elevated during President To Lam's State visit to India in May 2025. Tran Thanh Man expressed satisfaction at the strong progress made in bilateral ties in recent years, particularly following that visit. He noted that Vietnam's National Assembly will work closely with India's Parliament to implement the arrangements and common understandings reached between the two nations' leaders.

Areas Flagged for Deeper Cooperation

The Vietnamese NA Chairman called for expanded collaboration across defence and security, education, healthcare, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian Embassy echoed this sentiment, noting that 'people form the heart of any partnership' and that the close linkages between the two legislatures reflect deep grassroots bonds between the two countries.

What the Indian Embassy Said

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam posted on X that Ambassador Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa called on Tran Thanh Man and delivered the Lok Sabha Speaker's invitation. 'The Government of India accords the highest priority to this visit and remains committed to strengthening the close relationship between the two Parliaments,' the Embassy stated. This parliamentary engagement comes as both sides look to translate the elevated ECSP framework into concrete legislative and institutional cooperation. The next steps are likely to include a reciprocal visit by Tran Thanh Man to New Delhi at a date to be mutually agreed upon.