INDIA VIETNAM RELATIONS

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Context: Meeting between the Defence Minister of Vietnam, General Phan Van Giang, and the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 19, 2023.

Details

• Defence Minister of Vietnam, General Phan Van Giang, called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 19, 2023.

Historical and Strategic Importance:

• President Murmu highlighted the rich history of civilizational and cultural linkages between India and Vietnam, spanning over 2000 years.
• Vietnam is considered an important pillar of India's Act East Policy and a key partner in the Indo-Pacific Vision.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:

• The India-Vietnam 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' has broadened the scope of bilateral collaboration.
• Areas of collaboration include defense and security cooperation, trade and investment relations, energy security, development cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people relations.

Strong Defense Cooperation:

• Bilateral defense cooperation is one of the strongest elements of the India-Vietnam partnership.
• The defense engagement encompasses various areas:
  • Capacity Building: Efforts to enhance the military capabilities and expertise of Vietnam.
  • Industry Cooperation: Collaborative projects and partnerships in the defense industry.
  • Peacekeeping: Joint efforts in promoting peacekeeping operations.
  • Joint Exercises: Participation in joint military exercises to strengthen interoperability and cooperation.

Broad Range of Collaboration:

• Besides defense, India and Vietnam collaborate in other areas:
  • Trade and Investment: Fostered economic ties and increased bilateral trade.
  • Energy Security: Cooperation in ensuring energy stability and sustainability.
  • Development Cooperation: Joint efforts for mutual development and progress.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Relations: Promoting cultural exchanges and fostering people-to-people connections.

About Vietnam

• Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east and south.
• The country has a diverse geography, including mountains, coastal plains, and fertile deltas.

Historical Background:

• Vietnam has a rich history, with early settlements dating back to the Bronze Age.
• The country has experienced various dynasties, colonial rule by the French, and the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975.
• The reunification of North and South Vietnam led to the formation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Political System:

• Vietnam is a socialist republic, governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam.
• The country follows a one-party system, with the Communist Party holding significant power.
• The National Assembly is the highest legislative body in Vietnam.

Economy:

• Vietnam has undergone significant economic reforms since the late 1980s, transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented socialist economy.
• The country has experienced rapid economic growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
• Key sectors of the Vietnamese economy include manufacturing, services, agriculture, and tourism.

Foreign Relations:

• Vietnam follows a policy of "open-door diplomacy" and maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide.
• The country actively engages in regional and international organizations, including ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the United Nations.
• Vietnam has pursued closer relations with neighboring countries and developed strategic partnerships with key global players.

Cultural Heritage:

• Vietnamese culture is influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as its indigenous traditions.
• Traditional Vietnamese music, art, and dance are an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.
• The Vietnamese language, influenced by Chinese characters, is the official language of the country.

Tourism and Natural Beauty:

• Vietnam is known for its scenic beauty, with attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Mekong Delta.
• The country offers diverse experiences, including cultural tours, adventure activities, and culinary delights.
• Tourism plays a significant role in Vietnam's economy, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

• Vietnam faces challenges such as environmental degradation, income inequality, and limited political freedoms.
• The government is focused on addressing these challenges while promoting sustainable development and improving the living standards of its citizens.
• Vietnam's strategic location, growing economy, and dynamic workforce position it as a key player in the region's economic and geopolitical landscape.

About India Vietnam Relations

• Vietnam and India share a rich history of civilizational and cultural linkages spanning over 2000 years.
• Historical interactions and cultural exchanges have contributed to a sense of mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision:

• Vietnam is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy, which aims to enhance India's engagement with Southeast Asian nations.
• Vietnam is considered a key partner in India's Indo-Pacific Vision, which seeks to promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:

• Vietnam and India have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to deepen their bilateral collaboration.
• This partnership encompasses various areas of cooperation, including defense and security, trade and investment, energy security, development cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people relations.

Defense Cooperation:

• Defense cooperation is one of the strongest elements of the Vietnam-India partnership.
• Both countries engage in capacity building initiatives, industry cooperation, peacekeeping efforts, and joint military exercises.
• Defense collaboration contributes to strengthening the security architecture in the region and enhancing the capabilities of both nations.

Trade and Investment Relations:

• Vietnam and India have been actively promoting trade and investment relations.
• Bilateral trade has been increasing steadily, with both countries exploring new avenues for economic cooperation.
• Efforts are underway to enhance trade facilitation, remove barriers, and explore the potential for a free trade agreement.

Energy Security:

• Energy security is an important aspect of the Vietnam-India relationship.
• Both countries collaborate in areas such as oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
• Cooperation in the energy sector helps ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply for both nations.

Development Cooperation:

• Vietnam and India engage in development cooperation initiatives to support each other's socio-economic progress.
• Areas of cooperation include infrastructure development, capacity building, human resource development, and technology transfer.

Cultural and People-to-People Relations:

• Cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions play a vital role in strengthening Vietnam-India relations.
• Both countries promote cultural festivals, exchanges of artists, scholars, and students, and encourage tourism between the two nations.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933464