Context
The state visit of Tô Lâm to India in May 2026 marked a major step in strengthening India–Vietnam relations amid changing Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
During the visit, both countries upgraded bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and signed agreements in areas such as:
- Defence cooperation
- Technology
- Finance
- Energy
The visit reflected growing strategic convergence between India and Vietnam, especially regarding:
- China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea
- Maritime security
- Supply chain resilience
- Strategic autonomy
India’s Act East Policy and the 2016 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had already laid the foundation for closer defence cooperation, high-level exchanges, and institutionalised security engagement, steadily deepening mutual trust over time.
This marks the emergence of a new phase in India–Vietnam relations characterised by deeper defence, economic, and strategic cooperation amid evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Defence and Economic Cooperation in India–Vietnam Relations
Defence Cooperation as the Core Pillar
Defence cooperation has emerged as the central pillar of India–Vietnam relations.
India has expanded support through:
- Transfer of the INS Kirpan in 2023
- Defence financing assistance
- Military training programmes
- Maritime cooperation initiatives
BrahMos Missile Discussions
Talks regarding possible export of the BrahMos missile system to Vietnam indicate a transition from basic defence capacity-building towards strengthening Vietnam’s deterrence capability in the South China Sea.
Expanding Economic Relations
Economic ties are also gaining momentum.
Bilateral Trade
- Bilateral trade has crossed $16 billion.
- Both countries aim to raise trade to $25 billion by 2030.
Focus on Supply Chain Resilience
The partnership increasingly emphasises:
- Resilient supply chains
- Rare earth cooperation
- Digital payment integration
Vietnam’s Strategic Economic Importance
Vietnam has emerged as a major ASEAN manufacturing hub, making it an important partner for India in:
- Diversifying supply chains
- Reducing excessive dependence on China-centric production networks
Regional Significance of the India–Vietnam Partnership
- Role in Indo-Pacific Strategic Balancing
The growing India–Vietnam partnership has become an important element of strategic balancing in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Support for a Rules-Based Maritime Order
Alongside countries such as:
- Japan
- Australia
- United States
both nations support a rules-based maritime order aimed at preserving:
- Peace
- Stability
- Rule of law in the South China Sea
- Strengthening ASEAN Centrality
The partnership highlights the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Vietnam’s strategic importance and assertive regional role make it a key partner for India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
- Convergence in Foreign Policy Approaches
Vietnam’s strategy of diversification and hedging aligns closely with India’s multidimensional partnership approach, creating a natural basis for deeper cooperation.
- Emerging Technologies and Economic Security
Cooperation in:
- Critical minerals
- Advanced technologies
- Supply chain resilience
reflects the changing nature of geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.
- Towards Alternative Economic Architectures
As global supply chains become increasingly securitised, the India–Vietnam partnership is evolving beyond traditional trade relations towards a broader framework of:
- Economic security
- Strategic resilience
Structural Challenges in India–Vietnam Relations
- Need to Translate Strategy into Action
Despite strong political and strategic alignment, both countries still face challenges in converting strategic intent into practical outcomes.
- Implementation Gaps
Important areas such as:
- Trade expansion
- Connectivity projects
- Defence industrial cooperation
continue to face implementation hurdles.
- Constraints in Defence Cooperation
Potential defence exports, including the BrahMos missile system, may face:
- Scientific constraints
- Financial challenges
- Geopolitical limitations
before becoming operational realities.
- Barriers to Trade Expansion
Achieving ambitious trade targets will require addressing:
- Logistics bottlenecks
- Legal and regulatory barriers
- Limited private-sector participation
Growing Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, the India–Vietnam partnership is expected to become increasingly integrated into the region’s emerging strategic architecture.
The visit of Tô Lâm symbolises not merely a diplomatic event, but the evolution of India–Vietnam relations into a mature, multidimensional, and strategically important partnership.
Conclusion
The India–Vietnam partnership is steadily evolving into a multidimensional strategic relationship driven by:
- Shared Indo-Pacific interests
- Defence cooperation
- Economic resilience
- Long-term regional stability objectives
The partnership is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the Indo-Pacific strategic order in the coming years.
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