Viet Nam among India’s top partners in “Act East” policy, Indo-Pacific vision: Top Indian diplomat
VGP - Prime Minister Le Minh Hung hosted a reception for Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in Ha Noi on August 26.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) hosts a reception for Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Ha Noi, August 26, 2026 - Photo: VGP
Margherita is on a visit to Viet Nam to attend events marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016–2026).
The Prime Minister affirmed that Viet Nam always advocates India in playing an increasingly important role on the international stage, including as the host of BRICS in 2026.
He called on the ministries and agencies of both countries to continue concretizing high-level commitments and agreements reached during General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to India last May; maintain high-level exchanges and contacts; strengthen political trust; and join hands in organizing activities to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations by 2027.
The Prime Minister urged both sides to actively explore the possibility of negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) to facilitate trade, bolster economic connectivity and address market-access bottlenecks, with a view to achieving the target of US$25 billion in two-way trade and doubling bilateral investment.
He also called for stronger cooperation in science and technology and high-quality human resources development and encouraged major Indian technology corporations to invest in Viet Nam, particularly in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.
Le suggested the two sides continue studying ways to increase the frequency of direct flights to meet growing demand for travel, trade and tourism.
Margherita, for his part, emphasized that Viet Nam is one of India's top important partners under its "Act East" policy and Indo-Pacific vision, as well as a key partner within ASEAN.
He hailed the long-standing friendship and the thousands of years of cultural, historical and civilizational ties between the two peoples, expressing his delight at increasingly vibrant people-to-people exchanges, which have contributed to strengthening the solid foundation of Viet Nam-India relations.
The diplomat thanked the Vietnamese Government for taking swift and decisive measures to support victims of the recent boat capsizing accident in Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of An Giang last month.
He underlined the need to foster stronger ties in defense and security, including defense industry, trade, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, textiles and garments, rare earths and remote sensing, building on the outcomes of General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to India.
Margherita pledged to step up cultural, sports and film exchanges in 2027, the year marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and further promote people-to-people exchanges and tourism between the two countries.
The Minister of State expressed his appreciation for Viet Nam for its consistent support for India at international forums, particularly the United Nations, affirming India's desire to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation, especially in connectivity, maritime cooperation and maritime security.
Regarding regional and international cooperation, the two sides vowed to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums, while enhancing peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Indo-Pacific region./.