Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in New Delhi on May 5 to begin a three-day state visit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Vietnamese leader was received at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi by President Murmu and PM Modi, after which, Modi and To Lam held bilateral talks aimed to strengthen trade, security, and cultural ties. The two leaders agreed during their meeting to elevate their nations’ relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, “in the spirit of ‘shared vision, strategic convergence, substantive cooperation,’” issuing a joint statement to that effect. On May 7, President To Lam will travel to Mumbai for a business forum.
Modi was enthusiastic about the visit, posting, “India accords a warm welcome to General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam. The fact that he has visited India within a month of becoming President and that he has come along with a high-level delegation clearly reflects the priority he attaches to India-Vietnam relations. Making it even more special is the fact that he began his India visit from Bodh Gaya, reflecting the shared civilisational and spiritual traditions of our two countries.”
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya is one of the holiest and most revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
On the concrete outcomes of the talks, Modi wrote, “During our talks today, we discussed how to advance developmental cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and tourism. We have taken key decisions that will increase trade to $25 billion by 2030. We also discussed how to work together in agricultural, fisheries, critical minerals, rare earths and energy cooperation. Priority will also be given towards enhancing cultural linkages.”
To Lam’s visit to India comes just three weeks after his state visit to China, the first foreign visit of his Presidency.
