Jaishankar, Vietnam FM Chart New Path for Bilaterral ties

New Delhi, September 15, 2026 India and Vietnam are looking to expand their strategic partnership through stronger economic ties, defence cooperation and new avenues of collaboration. The direction was reinforced during the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi on Monday, where External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung reviewed the full range of bilateral relations under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two ministers discussed strengthening defence and security cooperation, including the co-production of Indian defence equipment. Expanding trade, investments and mutually beneficial supply chains was also prioritised, along with improving market access for Indian marine and agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. Financial, port and air connectivity, as well as opportunities in nuclear energy and space, were among the other areas examined. The meeting also covered heritage conservation, standards for seafarers, capacity building and stronger people-to-people ties. Both sides welcomed the growing popularity of Yoga in Vietnam and agreed to observe 2027 as the Year of India-Vietnam Friendship to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations. Vietnam’s engagement with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was also welcomed. The ministers noted that discussions between Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including during To Lam’s State Visit to India in May this year, had provided renewed momentum to bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination in regional and multilateral forums. Vietnam remains a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, with bilateral relations supported by deep civilisational ties. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India-Vietnam trade crossed USD 16 billion in 2025-26, representing an increase of more than 10% year-on-year. India’s exports stood at approximately USD 6.11 billion, while Vietnam’s exports to India reached around USD 10.35 billion. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of their partnership and agreed to convene the next Joint Commission Meeting at a mutually convenient date.