India-Vietnam Elevate Strategic Partnership

India and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relationship to an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tô Lâm. This upgrade signifies a major expansion of cooperation across various sectors, including trade, connectivity, security, and cultural linkages. Both nations set an ambitious target of $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, up from the current $16 billion. Key agreements were signed in areas such as digital payments, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) set to link with Vietnam's fast payment system. The two sides also agreed to update the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by the end of the year to enhance trade and investment flows with ASEAN countries. The partnership emphasizes strengthening economic security, supply chain resilience, and cooperation in critical minerals and energy. Defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region was also highlighted, with both countries sharing a common outlook on regional stability and a rules-based order. The visit of Tô Lâm, shortly after assuming office, underscores Vietnam's priority for ties with India, which is a crucial pillar of India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.