Indian diplomatic chief Jaishankar to visit Vietnam, co-chair joint commission

The visit has been made at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press communique on October 11.

Vietnam considers India a leading, long-term and trustworthy partner, and both countries share many strategic interests.  

The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has developed positive over the years. Political trust has been strengthened through the exchange of delegations at all levels.

Defense-security cooperation remains a strategic pillar in bilateral relations, through defense technology cooperation and officers training.

Post-pandemic economic-trade cooperation has gathered full steam, with two-way trade this year exceeding the US$15 billion mark set by the two countries’ top leaders.

Investment cooperation has been progressing due to continued Indian investments in Vietnam. India has poured more than US$1 billion into 29 operating projects in the Southeast Asian nation.

Bilateral cooperation in other fields such as science-technology, education-training, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges has been enhanced. The two countries have launched direct flights connecting their major destinations, helping to promote tourism and trade exchanges.

Elsewhere, the Vietnam – India Joint Commission mechanism has been maintained regularly since it was established in 1982. The two countries have so far held 17 sessions of the joint commissions and have completed preparations for the coming 18th meeting in Hanoi, following meetings of sub-commissions on trade, agriculture, and atomic energy.

During the Oct. 15-17 visit, Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister Bui Thanh Son will co-chair the 18th meeting in Hanoi. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to meet with the Indian diplomatic chief.