Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Tshering W. Sherpa, shared with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy insights into the significance of the visit, the growing strategic convergence between the two nations, and the opportunities emerging in technology, trade, energy transition and people-to-people connectivity.
The elevation of bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is being viewed as a major milestone in India-Vietnam relations. How do you assess the significance of this State visit by General Secretary and President To Lam?
The State visit of General Secretary and President H.E. To Lam to India is indeed a significant milestone in India–Vietnam relations. This year is particularly meaningful as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016. The decision by the leaders of our two countries to elevate the relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the depth of mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations between India and Vietnam.
Although diplomatic relations were formally established in 1972, the friendship between our two countries is rooted in millennia-old civilizational linkages manifested through our shared Buddhist and Cham heritage. As nations with histories of struggle for independence from colonial rule, India and Vietnam have long inspired and supported each other.
Over the last eight decades, our relationship has evolved on the basis of mutual respect, solidarity and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and development aspirations.
Over the past decade, what do you consider the most important achievements in bilateral cooperation?
Since 2016, our bilateral relationship has expanded and deepened significantly across almost all sectors. Political engagements, development partnership, defence and security cooperation, trade and commerce, and people-to-people exchanges have all witnessed impressive progress.
One notable achievement is the strong growth in bilateral trade. Trade between our two countries has more than doubled, increasing from around $8 billion in 2015-2016 to approximately $16 billion in 2024-2025.
These developments reflect the growing synergy between our economies. However, bilateral trade still accounts for less than two percent of our respective global trade volumes. This indicates that the potential remains enormous, particularly considering that India and Vietnam are among the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Therefore, the new target set by our leaders to achieve $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 is both realistic and forward-looking.
The upgraded partnership places strong emphasis on innovation and technology cooperation. Which areas do you believe will become key pillars in the next phase of bilateral relations?
Our leaders have clearly envisioned the next phase of India–Vietnam relations as future-oriented and forward-looking. Technology will play a central role in this transformation.
While continuing to strengthen traditional pillars of cooperation, both sides will focus increasingly on innovation, critical and emerging technologies, renewable energy, healthcare, digital public infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, 6G, pharmaceuticals, space technology, nuclear technology and critical minerals.
Technology today is not simply a sector; it has become a key driver of growth, development and value chains globally. India and Vietnam are both rapidly growing economies with youthful and aspirational societies. There are many complementarities between our technology ambitions and development visions.
We already have dialogue mechanisms in information technology, science and technology, and innovation cooperation. These frameworks now need to be further energized and aligned with current global trends and practical requirements.
The India-Vietnam Innovation Forum organized during the visit demonstrates our shared commitment to building partnerships in these new domains.
Digital connectivity and fintech cooperation were also highlighted during the visit. How important are these areas?
These are extremely important areas for the future of bilateral cooperation. One example is cooperation in digital payment systems, including QR-code-based cross-border payment connectivity. Such systems can significantly facilitate tourism, trade and commercial exchanges between our two countries.
India has developed extensive expertise in digital public infrastructure and fintech, while Vietnam is also making rapid progress in digital transformation. This creates substantial opportunities for cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Energy transition and sustainability are becoming increasingly important globally. How can our two countries cooperate in these areas?
As both our countries move toward net-zero emissions goals, there is considerable scope for sharing experiences and successful policy models in renewable energy development and energy security.
Vietnam’s recent accession to the International Solar Alliance is an important step in this direction. Supply chain resilience and energy security are also priority areas for collaboration.
Both countries recognize that sustainable growth and clean energy transition are essential components of long-term economic development.
Despite the strong focus on technology and economics, cultural ties continue to play a central role in bilateral relations. How do you view this dimension?
Cultural and spiritual ties remain the enduring foundation of India–Vietnam relations. Buddhism continues to serve as a celestial bridge warmly connecting the peoples of our two countries.
The exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Vietnam in 2025 was a testimony to this everlasting bond.
At the same time, we are also leveraging technology to preserve and restore our shared cultural heritage. The restoration works carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India at the My Son Sanctuary UNESCO World Heritage Site are a very good example.
Projects such as the restoration of Nhan Tower, the establishment of a Site Interpretation Centre at My Son, and the digitization of Cham manuscripts reflect our common commitment to heritage conservation.
People-to-people connectivity has expanded significantly in recent years. What role does this play in strengthening bilateral relations?
People-to-people connectivity is one of the strongest pillars of our partnership. In recent years, both governments have worked closely to improve connectivity and facilitate exchanges.
Today, more than 90 direct flights operate weekly between India and Vietnam. This has greatly boosted tourism, trade and business exchanges. Tourism has been one of the largest beneficiaries, with the number of travelers between the two countries reaching nearly 900,000.
We are also exploring the possibility of establishing direct shipping connections to further strengthen trade and logistics cooperation.
On the academic side, Indian Studies Chairs under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will be established at Da Nang University and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. We also look forward to stronger cooperation between Nalanda University and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.
In 2027, both countries will celebrate India Cultural Week in Vietnam and Vietnam Cultural Week in India to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The State visit took place amid growing geopolitical uncertainty globally. How do you view our two countries' strategic cooperation in this broader context?
The world today is undergoing profound transitions marked by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting power balances and economic fragmentation. In this context, the State visit of General Secretary and President H.E. To Lam to India assumes special significance.
India and Vietnam share common interests in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Vietnam remains a key pillar of India’s “Act East” Policy, while Vietnam’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative reflects increasing strategic convergence between our two countries.
We also share a strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality and an international order based on international law. Strengthening the voice and role of the Global South in global governance is another important area of convergence between India and Vietnam.
Finally, what message would you like to convey regarding the future of India-Vietnam relations?
The elevation of our bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership demonstrates the determination of both sides to translate enormous goodwill into tangible outcomes.
India’s long-term development vision, “Viksit Bharat @2047”, and Vietnam’s Vision 2045 possess strong complementarities. Apart from being rapidly growing economies, our societies are youthful, dynamic and aspirational.
This is only the beginning of a new chapter in India-Vietnam relations. The sky is not the limit for India and Vietnam.
Thank you, Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, for this opportunity to share our perspectives on the growing India-Vietnam partnership.
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