National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, called on Vietnamese President To Lam in New Delhi, holding discussions aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. The meeting came on the first day of President To Lam's three-day State Visit to India — his first since being elected Vietnam's President last month.

What Was Discussed

According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two leaders exchanged views on bolstering the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. "NSA Shri Ajit Doval called-on General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam. They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries," Jaiswal posted on X. President To Lam also expressed that he looked forward to his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days.

Arrival and Welcome

President To Lam arrived in New Delhi after offering prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, where Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome upon his arrival in Gaya. At the airport in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai received the visiting leader. The MEA noted that this is To Lam's first State Visit to India since his election as President last month. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

10 Years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

This visit carries special significance as India and Vietnam mark the 10th anniversary of the elevation of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — a milestone first agreed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016. "This year, we are marking the milestone of 10 years of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations," Jaiswal stated. The MEA has described the two countries as sharing deep historical and civilisational ties that have steadily deepened over the decades.

Key Engagements Ahead

President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi is set to hold wide-ranging talks with the Vietnamese President covering bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. President Droupadi Murmu will also hold a separate meeting with the visiting leader. Other senior Indian leaders are expected to call on President To Lam during his stay in the capital.

Mumbai Visit and Business Forum

President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai during his visit, where he will visit the National Stock Exchange (NSE), meet Maharashtra Chief Minister and the state's Governor, and attend a business forum. The engagement is expected to open new avenues for trade and investment cooperation between the two nations. The visit concludes on 7 May 2025, and the MEA has said it is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations.