The message came during the Vietnamese leader’s meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on May 6, as part of his State visit to India.

The meeting reflected growing strategic convergence between the two countries at a time when Asia is witnessing major shifts in supply chains, technology competition and regional connectivity frameworks.

During the meeting, Party General Secretry and President To Lam stressed Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching special importance to relations with India, while expressing support for India’s expanding role at regional and global multilateral forums.

He also welcomed India’s continued implementation of its “Act East” policy and stronger engagement with ASEAN.

Building on that foundation, he said, the two sides agreed to further elevate bilateral ties into an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following his talks with the Indian Prime Minister, signaling a higher level of political trust and broader strategic cooperation in the coming years.

According to the guest, Vietnam and India will intensify high-level exchanges, deepen defence cooperation and pursue stronger collaboration in trade, science and technology.

A major focus of the discussions was future-oriented cooperation in emerging technologies and strategic industries.

The two countries identified artificial intelligence, 6G, renewable energy, digital transformation, rare earths and the peaceful use of nuclear energy as promising areas for long-term collaboration.

Vietnam proposed increasing the frequency of direct flights between the two countries while calling on India to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers for Vietnamese exports.

President Murmu welcomed the positive outcomes of leader To Lam’s earlier talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised the decision to upgrade bilateral ties during the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

She emphasised that India considers Vietnam one of the most important partners in its “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

According to the Indian President, cooperation in health care, cybersecurity, science and technology, and critical minerals would deliver more tangible benefits to people in both countries.

Murmu also noted that more than 400 Indian companies are currently investing in Vietnam and expressed New Delhi’s interest in promoting stronger two-way investment flows in the years ahead.

She thanked Vietnam for supporting the early completion of the review process for the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), which is expected to strengthen regional economic integration.

Alongside strategic and economic cooperation, both sides emphasised the enduring importance of cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges.

Historical and civilisational ties between the two countries were highlighted repeatedly during the meeting, from Buddhist exchanges to cultural heritage connections reflected at My Son Sanctuary.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educational cooperation, scholarships and cultural exchange programmes between the two countries.

On regional and international issues, the two leaders pledged to continue close coordination at multilateral forums including ASEAN and the United Nations.

They also reiterated support for maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and aviation safety, saying disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Vietnamese leader on this occasion invited President Murmu to visit Hanoi in the near future. The Indian President accepted the invitation, with both sides expected to coordinate the timing through diplomatic channels.

Vietnam, India agree to elevate ties to “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”

VOV.VN - Vietnam and India have agreed to elevate bilateral ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” under the spirit of “Shared Vision, Strategic Convergence, Practical Cooperation”, opening a new period of development in relations between the two countries.