India attaches special importance to upcoming visit of General Secretary and President To Lam

Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa made the above remarks ahead of the State visit to India by General Secretary and President To Lam from May 5–7, 2026.

The visit takes place as the two countries commemorate the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and is expected to help shape the framework for bilateral cooperation in the next phase.

The Ambassador emphasized that India–Viet Nam relations are characterized by "The sky is not the limit" spirit—dynamic, forward-looking, and underpinned by a long-term vision.

The two countries have not only strengthened traditional areas of cooperation such as politics, defense, and security, but have also expanded into new fields, promoted people-to-people exchanges, enhanced connectivity, and boosted bilateral trade.

According to the Ambassador, Viet Nam–India ties constitute a "multi-sectoral partnership based on trust and mutual respect."

Since 2016, leaders of the two countries have held more than 25 high-level meetings, reflecting strong political ties.

Defense and security cooperation has been actively implemented at all levels. Meanwhile, bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade to reach approximately US$16 billion, though significant potential for further growth remains.

In terms of connectivity, while there were previously no direct flights, the two countries now operate nearly 90 flights per week, serving as a "multiplier" for tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and trade. Last year, two-way visitor flows reached nearly 900,000.

Cultural cooperation continues to be a bright spot, with Buddhism serving as a spiritual bridge between the two ancient civilizations.

Notably, Buddha's sacred relics enshrined at Viet Nam-based Quan Su Pagoda as part of Vesak 2025 marked a meaningful milestone in cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations.

Shaping next chapter of the Viet Nam–India success story

Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa expressed strong confidence in the prospects of bilateral relations, affirming that "this journey has only just begun."

He noted that India–Viet Nam relations should not only be viewed within the framework of more than 50 years of diplomatic ties (since 1972) or 10 years since their elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016), but also from the deeper, long-standing bonds between the two civilizations, with Buddhism serving as a continuous connecting thread.

Regarding future cooperation, the Ambassador said that while bilateral trade has reached around US$16 billion, both sides can achieve much more. Both countries are benefiting from a "golden population structure," with societies rich in aspirations and strong entrepreneurial spirit. This provides an important foundation for translating shared values and mutual trust into tangible cooperation outcomes, particularly in the economic sphere.

Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa expressed hope that the two countries will expand cooperation into new fronts such as information and communications technology, innovation, science and technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, pharmaceuticals, as well as industries including automobiles, transport, and infrastructure connectivity.

Strategically, Viet Nam is identified as a key partner of India in its "Act East" Policy and in its Indo-Pacific vision. The two countries share a common perspective of promoting development, peace, and stability rather than competition.

Reaffirming the central role of people in fostering bilateral friendship, the diplomat stressed that people-to-people exchanges are the most sustainable foundation of the relationship. India remains committed to working closely with Viet Nam to effectively tap cooperation potential, bringing practical benefits to the people and businesses of both countries.

With a solid foundation and vast room for cooperation, Viet Nam–India relations are expected to continue growing strongly, substantively, and effectively in the time ahead, Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa affirmed./.