The visit by General Secretary, President To Lam, his first in this new capacity, coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India. Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that this timing highlights the shared vision and strategic interests of both nations.

"The visit underscores the direction and goals of Vietnam and India in sharing a common vision and strategic interests, ensuring each country is a substantive priority in the other's foreign policy, while also exchanging views on matters of mutual concern and strengthening mutual support in regional and international forums," Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said.

Accompanying General Secretary, President To Lam on the visit are: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan, and other officials, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

General Secretary, President To Lam departs for India. Photo: *TTXVN*

The Deputy Minister also stated that General Secretary, President To Lam is expected to participate in many activities in the capital New Delhi and the economic, financial, and science and technology hub of Mumbai. During their discussions, leaders of Vietnam and India will focus on strategic directions to foster cooperation, aiming for breakthroughs in potential areas such as: science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, healthcare, clean energy, infrastructure, and promoting people-to-people, cultural, and religious exchanges.

India is a traditional friendly partner in South Asia, highly valued by Vietnam, and Vietnam wishes to elevate the relationship to a new level, according to the Deputy Minister. Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India were established in 1972, and the relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. Over the past decade, bilateral relations have made strong progress across various fields. Currently, the two countries have over 20 bilateral cooperation mechanisms and have signed many important cooperation documents guiding the relationship.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong. Photo: *BNG*

Looking ahead, the two countries have agreed to increase two-way trade and investment turnover to 30 billion USD by 2030. Both sides will expand cooperation in defense and security industries, promote science and technology, especially core technology, semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, innovation, rare earth mining and processing, and information technology human resource development and training.

India has 378 projects with a total investment capital exceeding 1 billion USD in Vietnam. India's main investment sectors include: energy, mineral processing, agricultural processing (coffee, tea, sugar), information technology, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, hotels, and infrastructure.

Nhu Tam