New Delhi: President To Lam, who holds the dual roles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday afternoon to begin his inaugural state visit to India. Upon landing in the national capital, he was received with a warm welcome by Minister Nityanand Rai, highlighting the high diplomatic honour accorded to the visiting dignitary. This visit is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, a status established in 2016 that has seen bilateral relations grow into a multifaceted and robust alliance.
The Vietnamese leader’s three-day tour began earlier in the day in the state of Bihar, where he was welcomed in Gayaji by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The regional leader noted that the visit would serve to further bolster the cultural and spiritual connections between the two countries, particularly given Gayaji’s standing as a city of immense heritage. President To Lam is scheduled to undergo a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Wednesday, followed by comprehensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These discussions are expected to span the entire spectrum of India-Vietnam relations, while also addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
In addition to high-level diplomatic meetings in the centre of the capital, the itinerary includes visits to the sacred site of Bodh Gaya and the financial hub of Mumbai. Prime Minister Modi had previously congratulated President To Lam upon his election earlier this month, expressing a strong desire to deepen the time-tested friendship that exists between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that these engagements are designed to provide fresh momentum to the bilateral framework and open new avenues for cooperation in sectors ranging from trade to defence.
The historical and civilizational links between India and Vietnam provide a solid foundation for this modern partnership. As both countries continue to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region, the meetings between President To Lam and senior Indian officials, including President Droupadi Murmu, are anticipated to set the tone for the next decade of strategic cooperation. The visit reflects a shared commitment to the progress and prosperity of both nations and serves as a testament to the enduring bond that connects the two people.
