To Lam said the release of a joint statement to enhance this partnership during the India visit in August 2024 by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh marks a meaningful step towards aligning the interests, needs, and aspirations of both sides.
He suggested that both sides continue to coordinate closely to effectively implement the outcomes of recent visits and high-level agreements to deepen and enhance the relationship across all fields, leveraging each other’s potential and strengths, particularly in areas such as economy, trade, investment, security-defense, culture, tourism, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed his belief that Vietnam and India would soon raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion annually towards the US$30 billion goal by 2030, doubling the figure from 2023.
Regarding regional cooperation, To Lam affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to working with other ASEAN countries to deepen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He hoped that India would continue to support ASEAN’s central role, assist in building the ASEAN Community, and collaborate to address common challenges.
He emphasized mutual support and close cooperation at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations and ASEAN-led mechanisms, while upholding principles that ensure maritime and aviation security, safety, and freedom, and resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
On this occasion, To Lam thanked India for providing emergency aid of 35 tonnes of goods valued at US$1 million to support Vietnamese localities affected by Typhoon Yagi. He also conveyed his regards to President Droupadi Murmu and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his third consecutive re-election, as well as on India’s recent socio-economic, scientific, technological, and foreign policy achievements.
Modi for his part affirmed India’s desire to further strengthen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.
He noted that India would continue to pursue its Act East policy, by promoting closer and more effective relations with ASEAN and Vietnam, especially in areas of mutual interest or strength, such as digital connectivity, the digital economy, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and maritime security.
General Secretary and President To Lam reiterated the invitation for President Droupadi Murmu to visit Vietnam soon. Prime Minister Modi also invited General Secretary and President To Lam to visit India soon.
General Secretary and President To Lam is making a working trip to the United States for the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
