A visit by Vietnam’s leader to India is set to enhance New Delhi’s growing influence with Hanoi while allowing the Southeast Asian country to hedge against China in the event of any escalation in maritime disputes.
Vietnamese President To Lam’s trip underscores concerns from both countries of being “overly dependent” on any superpower, according to political analysts.
Lam arrived in Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day visit, marking his first trip to India since assuming office. The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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At a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lam on Wednesday, Modi told reporters that Delhi was targeting trade between India and Vietnam to rise to US$25 billion by 2030. Both sides also upgraded their relationship to an “enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership”.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs earlier said the high-level engagements would provide “fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations” and open new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.
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On April 7, Modi congratulated Lam on his election as president and expressed his readiness to deepen bilateral ties.