New Delhi, May 6: Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
Addressing a joint press conference with Vietnamese President To Lam after delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi described Vietnam as a “key pillar” of India’s Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar.
“One decade back, during my first visit to Vietnam, Vietnam became India’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN. Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress. Along with civilizational ties, our trade, technology and tourism ties have also strengthened. Building on this strong foundation, today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi said.
Welcoming President To Lam and his delegation, PM Modi noted that the Vietnamese leader’s visit to India shortly after assuming office reflects the importance Vietnam places on ties with India.
“I am immensely pleased to extend a hearty welcome to President To Lam in India. After becoming President of Vietnam, his visit to India within just one month, accompanied by a high-level delegation and several business leaders, clearly demonstrates the priority he accords to India-Vietnam relations,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the deep civilisational and spiritual connections shared by the two countries, pointing out that President To Lam began his India visit from Bodh Gaya, a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
“This reflects the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage of our two nations. Through his visit and our meaningful discussions, we are transforming the goodwill between us into concrete outcomes,” PM Modi stated.
He also revealed that over 1.5 crore people in Vietnam had darshan of Buddhist relics exhibited there in 2025, underlining the growing cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
PM Modi said India and Vietnam share a common vision for the Indo-Pacific region and would continue enhancing defence and security cooperation to support regional peace, stability and rule of law.
“Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar. In the Indo-Pacific region as well, we share a common outlook. Through our strengthening defense and security cooperation, we will continue to contribute to the rule of law, peace, stability and prosperity. With Vietnam’s cooperation, India will also broaden its relations with ASEAN,” he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked Vietnam for condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and supporting India’s fight against terrorism.
“We are grateful to Vietnam for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and for standing with us in our fight against terrorism,” PM Modi said.
He further noted that despite global economic uncertainties, India and Vietnam continue to emerge as among the world’s fastest-growing economies due to strong governance, talent and economic reforms.
