The fourth India-Vietnam Policy Planning Dialogue was held in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking a significant step in deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India released a statement outlining the discussions, which were co-chaired by Raghuram S, Joint Secretary (Policy Planning and Research), MEA, and Le Dinh Tinh, Director General of the Policy Planning Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Vietnam. The high-level discussions addressed a range of geopolitical and strategic issues impacting both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Key Areas of Discussion
The dialogue provided a crucial platform for both countries to exchange views on regional and global issues, including the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, the role of multilateral institutions, and priorities of the Global South. As both India and Vietnam seek to strengthen their positions in the international arena, these discussions highlighted the importance of shared interests in economic growth, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Director General Le Dinh Tinh, also met with Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the MEA, further reinforcing diplomatic engagement and outlining pathways for future collaboration.
Historical Ties and Diplomatic Relations
India and Vietnam share a deep-rooted bilateral relationship, which has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The foundation of this partnership can be traced back to the independence movements of both nations, with Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh exchanging messages of solidarity.
India played a significant role as Co-Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control, established under the 1954 Geneva Accord, further cementing its support for Vietnam. Initially, India maintained Consulate-level relations with both North and South Vietnam, before officially establishing diplomatic ties on January 7, 1972.
Over the decades, India and Vietnam have consistently expanded their diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam marked a new milestone, elevating the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This commitment was further solidified during the Virtual Summit on December 21, 2020, where both nations adopted a Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity, and People.
Recent Engagements and Future Prospects
On April 15, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong held a telephonic discussion, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties. The year 2022 also marked the 50th anniversary of India-Vietnam diplomatic relations, highlighting decades of successful collaboration.
Both nations continue to work towards enhancing economic, defense, and maritime cooperation. Their growing engagement in regional forums such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the Indo-Pacific initiatives underscores their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The 2025 India-Vietnam Policy Planning Dialogue reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and their shared vision for regional stability and global cooperation. With an increasing focus on strategic, economic, and security collaboration, both India and Vietnam are poised to further strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, ensuring mutual growth and regional prosperity in the years to come.
