EVENT REPORT

International Conference on ‘Vietnam-India Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Towards New Development Drivers’

An international conference titled ‘Vietnam-India Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Towards New Development Drivers’ was co-hosted by the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies (ISAWAAS) of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Embassy of India in Hanoi on 27 August 2026. 

2. The Conference followed the elevation of India-Vietnam relations to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (ECSP) on 6 May 2026 and brought together around 300 government officials, diplomats, academics, researchers and industry representatives to discuss priorities for advancing the bilateral partnership.
   
   
3. The opening session featured remarks by H.E. Prof. Dr. Lê Văn Lợi, Member of the Central Committee and President of VASS, and a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Textiles, Government of India, followed by remarks by H.E. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. 
   
   
4. While delivering his keynote, Dr. Pabitra Margherita described Vietnam as an important partner for India under its ‘Act East’ policy and in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific, and highlighted trade, connectivity and several technology-driven sectors as drivers of the bilateral cooperation. 
   
   
5. The Conference delved through three technical sessions viz.

1. Strategic Convergence in the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India;
2. Enhancing Economic Connectivity and Economic Integration; and

iii. Youth Cooperation, Knowledge Partnership and Cultural Connectivity.

6. The first session highlighted the importance of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and commitment to the ASEAN Centrality, apart from focusing on other areas of mutual interests. The second session focused on strengthening bilateral economic linkages and improving coordination among relevant government agencies, chambers of commerce, state governments and local authorities. The third session noted the strong people-to-people relations, education, youth exchanges and cultural links. Participants also discussed the role of shared Buddhist heritage and historical cultural connections in promoting greater mutual understanding, as well as university exchanges, capacity building, student mobility and youth leadership networks.
   
   
7. The Conference provided a platform for both sides to examine practical areas of cooperation under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In conclusion, Dr. Vipra Pandey, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, thanked the organizers for convening the conference.

Hanoi, 

27 August 2026