President Murmu Hosts Vietnam President, Reaffirms Strategic Ties

Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday hosted To Lam at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his first State Visit to India, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Welcoming the Vietnamese President, Murmu said India and Vietnam share deep historical, civilisational and cultural ties that continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The President noted that India-Vietnam relations have expanded significantly in recent years through high-level exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnerships, and collaboration in trade, health, science and technology, and tourism.

She expressed satisfaction over several agreements and announcements made during the visit in key sectors including rare earth minerals, digital and financial technology, culture and education.

Murmu also welcomed the decision by both countries to further strengthen ties through the “Joint Statement on Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”.

Highlighting economic cooperation, the President said bilateral trade between the two countries has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade and India is keen to further expand trade in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner.

She described Vietnam as an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision under the broader framework of India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Murmu appreciated Vietnam’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and reiterated India’s commitment to working closely with Vietnam on regional peace, security and stability.

The two leaders agreed that closer cooperation between India and Vietnam would bring significant benefits to the people of both nations and further deepen their strategic partnership.