Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong is currently on a state visit to India, beginning with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 19, 2023. This marks his first visit to India, signifying the strengthening of the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.
President Thuong was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside a guard of honour. The visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defence, security, trade, and energy. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing economic ties, with a target of achieving $15 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Prior to the official talks, President Thuong paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The agenda includes a roundtable meeting with Indian business leaders, intended to explore investment opportunities and foster collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.
Key areas of discussion will likely include cooperation in areas like oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, and high-technology sectors. Defence cooperation is also a crucial component of the partnership, with India having extended lines of credit to Vietnam for procuring defence equipment.
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam and the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Both nations share a common perspective on regional and global issues, and are committed to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Vietnamese President’s visit is viewed as a significant step in further consolidating the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, contributing to a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship. It underscores the importance both countries place on their bilateral ties and their shared vision for a multipolar world.
