India – Vietnam Forge Strategic Alliances with Major MoUs, Enhancing Bilateral Ties and Regional Stability Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted, "Our comprehensive strategic partnership with India reflects our mutual aspirations for peace, cooperation, and development."
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NEW DELHI: The recent visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to India has ushered in a significant enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations. During this visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, underscoring a joint commitment to advancing cooperation across various sectors. These agreements highlight a shared vision for peace, cooperation, and development within the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
While addressing media, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of deepening the India-Vietnam relationship during a joint press conference with his Vietnamese counterpart. He remarked, “India and Vietnam share a profound connection rooted in our historical and cultural ties. The MoUs signed today set the stage for a more robust and resilient partnership, which will substantially contribute to regional stability and prosperity.”
In their discussions, the leaders acknowledged the significant global security challenges while also identifying opportunities for collaborative efforts. Prime Minister Chinh noted, “The Indo-Pacific region is a major engine of growth, but it is also a hub of intense geopolitical activity. We must adopt a global approach that upholds multilateralism.”
Reiterating this perspective, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted, “Our comprehensive strategic partnership with India reflects our mutual aspirations for peace, cooperation, and development. The agreements we have signed will provide tangible benefits to our people and bolster our collective efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The visit highlighted an eagerness to expand cooperation beyond defense, including sectors such as semiconductor technology, green technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and climate action. The inauguration of the “Army Software Park” in Vietnam, supported by India, exemplifies this commitment. Located at the Tele-Communications University in Nha Trang, this facility will enhance Vietnamese soldiers’ digital skills, preparing them for the increasingly digital era.
The visit also resulted in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), further solidifying the India-Vietnam bilateral relationship. These agreements span a wide array of sectors:
Plan of Action (2024-2028): This plan outlines the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam for 2024-2028. It aims to enhance efforts in defense, trade, science, and technology, fostering stronger bilateral ties and mutual growth.
Customs Capacity Building: An MoU was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India and the General Department of Viet Nam Customs. This agreement seeks to improve customs cooperation, enhance trade efficiency, and facilitate smoother transactions between the two countries.
Agricultural Research and Education: Collaboration between Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hanoi. Joint research and educational programs will advance agricultural practices and innovation, benefiting both nations’ agrarian sectors.
Legal Cooperation: An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam and the Ministry of Law and Justice of India. This agreement aims to foster legal collaboration, expertise exchange, and support judicial reform and training programs.
Media Cooperation:Prasar Bharati of India and Voice of Vietnam (VoV) signed an MoU to enhance radio and television cooperation.The partnership will facilitate content exchange, joint production, and capacity building, enriching media landscapes in both countries.
Credit Line Agreements: Two Credit Line Agreements totaling USD 300 million were signed between the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and Export-Import Bank of India. These funds will support infrastructure projects and economic development in Vietnam, strengthening economic ties and development cooperation.
Cultural Conservation: A Letter of Intent was signed for the conservation and restoration of F Block in My Son, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.This initiative will preserve cultural heritage and promote tourism, underscoring the historical connections between the two nations.
Traditional Medicine Cooperation: An MoU was signed between the Traditional Medicine Administration Ministry of Health of Vietnam and the National Medicinal Plants Board of India. This collaboration will enhance research, development, and sustainable use of medicinal plants, benefiting healthcare systems in both countries.
Maritime Heritage Cooperation: An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of India. The agreement aims to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, preserving maritime history and boosting tourism.
Announcements
Army Software Park: The virtual inauguration of the Army Software Park at Telecommunications University Nha Trang, Vietnam, was announced. This initiative will enhance Vietnam’s technological capabilities and defense infrastructure.
Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: Vietnam announced its intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).Joining CDRI will strengthen Vietnam’s disaster management and resilience strategies, promoting regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
Broader Implications
The MoUs and announcements from this visit reflect a robust and growing partnership between India and Vietnam, founded on mutual trust and shared aspirations for regional stability and prosperity. Enhanced cooperation, especially in defense, trade, and technology, will enable both nations to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region effectively.
These strategic MoUs and collaborative initiatives signify a new era in India-Vietnam relations, promising increased cooperation and shared growth. As both countries work together to implement these agreements, the benefits will extend beyond their borders, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended India’s global perspective and its effective strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting India’s significant role in providing vaccines and treatments that benefited Vietnam. He highlighted the evolving global landscape influenced by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and green transformation, and emphasized the importance of international solidarity in addressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, which he described as a “locomotive for growth.”
A Deepening Bond of Friendship
Prime Minister Chinh also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for sending a National Security Advisor to honor the passing of Vietnam’s Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, underscoring the depth of the bilateral relationship.
At the conclusion of his visit to India, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the 49th Sapru House Lecture. In his address, he discussed “Enhancing Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Development in the Indo-Pacific and the World,” underscoring the commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship and fostering regional and global stability.
At the conclusion of his visit to India, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the 49th Sapru House Lecture. In his address, he discussed “Enhancing Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Development in the Indo-Pacific and the World,” underscoring the commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship and fostering regional and global stability.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; X @shahidsiddiqui
