Vietnam’s significance in the Indo-Pacific region is set to be highlighted during an upcoming visit by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to India. Accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers, deputy ministers, and business leaders, Chinh’s state visit from July 30 to August 1, 2024, marks a crucial moment in the burgeoning strategic partnership between Vietnam and India. At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinh’s visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in defence cooperation and economic collaboration.
MEA Announces the State Visit
The visit will commence with a ceremonial welcome at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 1, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Chinh will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, who will host a luncheon in his honour. Additionally, Chinh is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reflecting the high-level nature of this diplomatic engagement.
India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation
In 2023, India underscored its commitment to deepening defence ties with Vietnam by handing over the in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to the Vietnam People’s Navy. This marked the first time India gifted a fully operational warship to a friendly foreign country, symbolizing the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The former Indian Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, officiated the handover ceremony at Cam Ranh, highlighting India’s support for enhancing Vietnam’s naval capabilities.
India and Vietnam have identified numerous opportunities for collaboration in defence, particularly in the areas of maritime security, defence industry cooperation, and multinational cooperation. Both countries are keen to explore joint production, defence research, and the development of defence industrial capabilities. These efforts align with India’s broader Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy
Vietnam holds a strategic position within India’s Act East Policy, serving as a critical partner in the broader Indo-Pacific strategy. The engagement between India and Vietnam underscores the latter’s role in maintaining regional stability and security. India’s Act East Policy seeks to enhance cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on fostering strong ties with Southeast Asian nations. The defence cooperation between India and Vietnam is a cornerstone of this policy, reflecting shared interests in maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The strategic partnership between India and Vietnam is not only about defence cooperation but also extends to economic and political realms. The deepening ties contribute significantly to regional security and maritime stability, addressing common challenges such as maritime disputes and non-traditional security threats. Both nations are committed to fostering peace, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the region.
Historical and Recent Developments
The India-Vietnam relationship was elevated to a “strategic partnership” in 2007 and further upgraded to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016. This reflects the growing importance of bilateral ties, particularly in the defence sector. In June 2022, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Vietnam, further consolidating the partnership by handing over 12 high-speed guard boats built with Indian assistance.
One of the significant aspects of the growing defence cooperation is the ongoing discussions about Vietnam’s potential acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from India. The potential sale of BrahMos missiles highlights the increasing defence collaboration and Vietnam’s interest in advanced Indian weaponry. Additionally, the signing of the Mutual Logistics Agreement and Vietnam’s participation in India’s defence industrial transformation initiatives further emphasize the deepening ties.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to India is a testament to the strong and growing relationship between the two countries. As both nations continue to enhance their strategic partnership, the visit is expected to pave the way for further cooperation in defence, trade, and regional security. Vietnam’s role as an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific strategy underscores the shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
