Vietnamese President To Lam begins India State visit, meets PM Modi on May 6
Synopsis
Vietnamese President To Lam's first India visit since taking office is more than a diplomatic courtesy call — it lands on the 10th anniversary of India-Vietnam's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signalling that both nations see strategic value in deepening ties at a moment of shifting regional alignments.
Key Takeaways
Vietnamese President To Lam is on a State visit to India from 6–7 May 2025 , his first since being elected President.
He will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet President Droupadi Murmu .
The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership , established during PM Modi's 2016 Vietnam visit.
To Lam is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and a business delegation.
He will also visit Bodh Gaya and Mumbai during the trip.
Vietnamese President To Lam, also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 for a State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, which runs until 7 May, marks To Lam's first trip to India since his election as Vietnam's President earlier this year.
Ceremonial Welcome and Key Meetings
President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on 6 May. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging discussions with the visiting leader covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations, alongside regional and global issues of mutual interest. President Droupadi Murmu will also hold a separate meeting with To Lam, and other senior Indian leaders are expected to call on him during the visit.
High-Level Delegation and Business Ties
To Lam is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers and senior officials of the Government of Vietnam. Notably, a strong business delegation is also part of the visiting group. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the engagements between leaders will provide
Point of View
It signals that India and Vietnam are looking to upgrade rhetoric into deliverables. With China's assertiveness in the South China Sea an unspoken backdrop, India's Act East Policy finds a willing partner in Hanoi. The real test will be whether the business delegation translates into signed agreements, or whether this remains another milestone visit heavy on symbolism and light on binding commitments.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vietnamese President To Lam visiting India?
To Lam is visiting India on a State visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from 6 to 7 May 2025. The visit aims to strengthen the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the partnership's establishment.
What is the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam?
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016, elevating bilateral ties to their highest level. It covers defence, trade, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation between the two nations.
Who will To Lam meet during his India visit?
To Lam is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wide-ranging bilateral talks and will also hold a separate meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. Other senior Indian leaders are also expected to call on him.
Where else will To Lam visit in India besides New Delhi?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President To Lam will also visit Bodh Gaya and Mumbai during his India trip, in addition to the official engagements in New Delhi.
Is this To Lam's first visit to India as President?
Yes, this is To Lam's first visit to India since his election as President of Vietnam. Prime Minister Modi congratulated him on his election on 7 April 2025 and expressed keenness to deepen bilateral ties.
