India — Vietnam Relations

A Quiet Partnership That Deserves More Attention!

Photo by jet dela cruz on Unsplash

The Indo-Pacific Partnership is now a more prominent feature in the future of the region, as highlighted by the recent State Visit of Tô Lâm to India.

To many, this visit might appear to be another diplomatic gesture, but it is a sign of growing strategic confidence between two nations that are slowly becoming indispensable strategic partners in Asia.

Today, India and Vietnam have more than just diplomatic ties. It is a partnership that has a history, a shared strategic interest and a shared vision for regional stability.

The Foundation of a Strong Strategic Partnership

In 2016, India and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Since then, there has been increased cooperation in several areas, such as:

• Defence cooperation
• Trade and investment
• Maritime security
• Technology
• Cultural exchange
• Regional diplomacy

The significance of this relationship is that both countries are aware of each other’s strategic concerns. Vietnam is an important partner for India, which has adopted the policy of ‘Act East’ to strengthen its relationship with the Southeast Asian countries. India, in turn, is perceived as a stable and balanced regional partner that brings peace and stability to the Indo-Pacific in Vietnam.

Why the Indo-Pacific Makes This Partnership Crucial?

The Indo-Pacific is one of the most geopolitically important areas in the world. The issues of maritime security, trade routes, freedom of navigation and regional influence have become the main concern of diplomatic discussions. In this context, India and Vietnam have a shared interest in supporting a rules-based regional order.

Their joint stance is part of a larger effort to maintain stability in the South China Sea and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Their partnership is strategically beneficial not only for them but for the entire Asian region as well.

Defence Cooperation

Defence cooperation has emerged as one of the most visible and significant areas of cooperation between India and Vietnam.

Throughout the years India has:

• Provided defence training
• More extended lines of credit for defence procurement
• Engaged in combined military drills
• Supported capacity development in the maritime sector

These are not merely token diplomatic moves. They show growing strategic confidence and trust. India is considered to be an ideal security partner of Vietnam, especially in the field of maritime cooperation and the security of the region.

Photo by David Emrich on Unsplash

Economic Opportunities

Defence is not the only aspect of the India-Vietnam partnership. Vietnam has been India’s most significant trade partner among the ASEAN countries, and trade relations have been steadily improving.

A lot of potential exists in:

• Electronics manufacturing
• Digital technology
• Renewable energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Supply chain diversification

India and Vietnam have a genuine chance to develop complementary economic relations in a world that is seeking to de-concentrate manufacturing activity from any single location. This may be one of the most important characteristics of their relationship in the next few decades.

Cultural Ties That Strengthen Diplomacy

This relationship is more meaningful because of its cultural roots.

India and Vietnam have had more than two thousand years of civilisational interaction, especially in the field of Buddhism and historical cultural exchanges. Such linkages between people foster a more gentle but effective basis for political and strategic cooperation.

This cultural connection is further reinforced through educational collaborations, scholarships, and technical training programs.

Challenges to Overcome

Even though things are going well, there are still hurdles. Vietnam is wary of making too much of a leap of faith in any one power.

India needs to be constantly engaged in the diplomatic and economic efforts in the Southeast Asian region to bring its Act East policy to fruition.

Other challenges include: Connectivity gaps, Language barriers, Limited business engagement, and Regional geopolitical complexities. This will take time and effort from both sides to overcome these challenges.

India-Vietnam relations look bright in the future. Cooperation will likely grow over the next 20 years to include cybersecurity, semiconductor production, green energy, digital innovation, and maritime infrastructure.

This relationship can prove to be one of the most significant middle-power strategic relations in Asia.

Conclusion

India-Vietnam relations are indeed what the 21st century demands in terms of diplomacy. Though India and Vietnam may not be in the spotlight at all times, their collaboration is quietly defining the future of the Indo-Pacific.

But maybe this is why this relationship needs to be given more attention. Sometimes, the partnerships that develop out of the shadows are the ones that have the greatest impact on the future.

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