Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level bilateral meeting with Vietnamese President To Lam at Hyderabad House on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in the diplomatic calendar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam have been upgraded to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Speaking at a joint press conference at Hyderabad House alongside Vietnamese President To Lam, the Prime Minister described the Southeast Asian nation as a “key pillar” of New Delhi’s “Act East” policy and “Vision Mahasagar.”
Recalling the evolution of bilateral ties over the last ten years, PM Modi remarked, “One decade back, during my first visit to Vietnam, Vietnam became India’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN. Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress. Along with the civilisational ties, our trade, technology and tourism ties have also strengthened. Building on this strong foundation, today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Greeting the Vietnamese leader, who is on a high-profile visit shortly after assuming office, PM Modi said, “I am immensely pleased to extend a hearty welcome to President To Lam in India. After becoming President of Vietnam, his visit to India within just one month, accompanied by a high-level delegation along with several business leaders, clearly demonstrates the priority he accords to India-Vietnam relations.”
The engagement followed a ceremonial welcome accorded to the visiting leader at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day, formally commencing his first State Visit to India.
The President was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, a gesture highlighting the “growing strategic partnership” between the two nations.
Amidst a vibrant cultural display featuring children in traditional attire, the reception set a cordial tone for the “wide-ranging discussions” scheduled between the two leaders, which are expected to span bilateral cooperation alongside critical regional and global issues.
Prior to reaching the capital, President To Lam began his journey on Tuesday in Bodh Gaya, where he offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple.
After being welcomed in Bihar by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the leader, who also serves as the “General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam,” flew to Delhi, where he was received by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
The diplomatic momentum built further as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on the President ahead of the primary summit.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the duo exchanged views on strengthening the “multifaceted, comprehensive strategic partnership,” with the Vietnamese leader expressing his keen interest in the formal dialogue with the Prime Minister.
According to the MEA, this visit represents a “significant juncture” as both nations mark a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Beyond the capital, the President’s itinerary until May 7 includes a visit to Mumbai to attend a business forum at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and interact with state leadership to boost economic ties.
These engagements reflect the evolution of “longstanding historical and civilisational ties” into a robust modern strategic relationship.
