New Delhi, May 6 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that India and Vietnam have upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speaking at a joint press conference at Hyderabad House with Vietnamese President To Lam, Modi described Vietnam as a “key pillar” of India’s Act East policy and Vision Mahasagar. He said the elevation builds on a decade of rapidly expanding cooperation across civilisational, trade, technology and tourism links.
Recalling his first visit to Vietnam ten years ago, the Prime Minister noted that Vietnam was India’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN and that bilateral ties have deepened since. “Building on this strong foundation, today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said.
Modi welcomed President To Lam’s visit, which came within a month of his assuming office and included a high‑level delegation and business leaders. The President began his itinerary in Bihar, visiting Bodh Gaya, a gesture Modi said highlighted the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage between the two countries. Modi also noted that more than 1.5 crore people viewed Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025, underscoring cultural resonance.
On regional issues, Modi said India and Vietnam share a common outlook on the Indo‑Pacific and that strengthened defence and security cooperation will help uphold the rule of law, peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He added that Vietnam’s support will help India broaden engagement with the wider ASEAN grouping.
The Prime Minister also thanked Vietnam for condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack and for standing with India in its fight against terrorism. He observed that, amid global economic challenges, both India and Vietnam are emerging among the world’s fastest‑growing economies, driven by talent, governance and reforms.
The announcement marks a further deepening of political, strategic and economic ties between New Delhi and Hanoi, signalling closer cooperation across multiple sectors in the years ahead.
