Indian media noted that the visit took place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and followed a congratulatory message issued by Modi on April 7 after Vietnam’s National Assembly elected Party General Secretary To Lam as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with strong support.

In the message, Prime Minister Modi expressed readiness to “further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the visit is expected to generate new momentum for the strong bilateral relationship and open up new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.

The ministry noted that India and Vietnam share “historical and civilizational ties” that have continued to grow stronger over the years, underpinned by strong political trust and converging strategic interests.

The visit is particularly significant as it takes place while the two countries are “celebrating the 10th anniversary of the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, a partnership established during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.

Beyond New Delhi, Indian media also described the visit to Mumbai as a major economic focus of the trip. During his stay there, To Lam is expected to visit India’s National Stock Exchange, meet the Chief Minister and Governor of Maharashtra state, and attend a business forum focused on beefing up trade and investment cooperation between business communities.

Several Indian media outlets said Vietnam is currently one of India’s most important partners in Southeast Asia, particularly as the two countries share strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key areas of cooperation include defence and security, trade, investment, digital transformation, high technology, supply chain connectivity and maritime cooperation.

Indian observers also stated that the visit comes at a time when bilateral relations are well positioned to enter a new period of development.

Indian media said the visit carries not only political and diplomatic significance but is also expected to expand practical cooperation across a range of new areas, while further reinforcing Vietnam’s role as a key partner of India in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

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