External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in New Delhi on Monday.
The two ministers held a productive and outcome-oriented discussion on further strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, said a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
They also noted that discussions between To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including during the former’s State Visit to India in May this year, had provided renewed impetus to the bilateral relationship.
Defence, trade, connectivity and emerging sectors on agenda
The two ministers identified the way forward on deepening ongoing defence and security cooperation, including through co-production of Indian defence items; expanding trade, investments and mutually beneficial supply chains; enhancing market access for Indian marine and agricultural products and pharmaceuticals; strengthening financial, port and air connectivity; and exploring opportunities in nuclear energy and the space sector.
They also discussed heritage conservation, cooperation on standards for seafarers, capacity building and strengthening people-to-people ties, the press release stated.
Yoga gains popularity, India-Vietnam Friendship Year next year
The two sides appreciated the growing popularity of Yoga in Vietnam and agreed to observe next year as the Year of India-Vietnam Friendship to mark 55 years of diplomatic ties.
They also welcomed Vietnam’s engagement under India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation and coordination in regional and multilateral fora.
The ministers expressed satisfaction at the upward and growing trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to convene the next Joint Commission Meeting at a mutually convenient date.
Vietnam key pillar of India’s Act East Policy
Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy. Rooted in deep civilisational linkages, the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to grow from strength to strength across established and emerging areas of cooperation.
According to MEA, India-Vietnam bilateral trade crossed USD 16 billion (more than 10% increase year-on-year) in 2025-2026, wherein India’s exports to Viet Nam accounted to approx. USD 6.11 billion, while Viet Nam’s exports to India were approx. USD 10.35 billion.
