National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently visited Vietnam, where he met with President To Lam over a two-day period from November 1 to November 2. The discussions focused on various topics, including security, defence, trade, and both regional and global developments. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the meeting, Doval conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lam, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi reported that Doval expressed gratitude for Lam’s unwavering support in fortifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Doval’s discussions with Lam included a review of the outcomes from his meetings with other senior Vietnamese leaders. He also recalled Lam’s state visit to India in May, which marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

Key Meetings and Discussions

In addition to his meeting with President To Lam, Doval engaged with General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security. Their discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in law enforcement, cyber security, maritime security, and economic security. Both parties agreed on the importance of capacity-building in these critical areas, reflecting the deep-rooted civilisational partnership between India and Vietnam.

Furthermore, Doval had a meeting with General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. This meeting focused on reviewing ongoing bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthen engagement in defence, which is a vital component of their partnership.

During his visit, Doval also met with Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung. They explored various ways to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam, which will occur in 2027. The embassy indicated that the anniversary celebrations would be conducted in the spirit of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Cultural Engagement and Future Prospects

As part of his itinerary, Doval visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, which serves as the headquarters of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Indian Embassy highlighted Buddhism as a significant civilisational bridge connecting the peoples of India and Vietnam, emphasising the cultural ties between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Doval’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to assess the progress made in bilateral cooperation under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The partnership has seen advancements, particularly during Lam’s state visit to India earlier this year.

Both nations have set an ambitious target of achieving an annual bilateral trade of USD 25 billion by the year 2030. Security cooperation remains a focal point of this partnership, underscoring the importance of mutual trust and collaboration in various sectors.

Overall, Doval’s visit to Vietnam signifies the strengthening of ties between India and Vietnam, with both countries committed to enhancing their strategic partnership across multiple domains. The discussions and agreements reached during this visit are expected to pave the way for further collaboration in the future.

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