During Vietnam President To Lam’s state visit to India, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said leaders focused on terrorism, counter‑terror operations and related transnational challenges such as organized crime, money laundering and online scams. Speaking at a special media briefing in New Delhi, Kumaran also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Vietnam for its support after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Both leaders acknowledged growing security threats and underlined the need for closer cooperation to foster peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo‑Pacific and beyond. They expressed convergent views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South.
Kumaran noted that President To Lam reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate on counterterrorism, while Modi welcomed Hanoi’s continued backing for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. India, in turn, reiterated support for ASEAN centrality within its Act East framework.
As part of the visit, Vietnam formally joined the Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). President To Lam is scheduled to visit Mumbai for engagements with the state government and to meet Indian businesses at the Vietnam‑India Business Forum. To Lam invited Prime Minister Modi to return to Vietnam, and Modi accepted the invitation.
Describing the visit as a highly fruitful interaction, the Ministry of External Affairs said the state visit produced 18 outcomes — 13 memorandums of understanding and five announcements — including the elevation of bilateral relations to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
