Welcoming President To Lam, PM Modi noted that the visit — coming within a month of Lam assuming office and accompanied by a high-level delegation —reflects the importance Vietnam attaches to bilateral ties.
India accords a warm welcome to General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam. The fact that he has visited India within a month of becoming President and that he has come along with a high-level delegation clearly reflects the priority he attaches to India-Vietnam… pic.twitter.com/NlyBIiOQ7s
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2026
"India accords a warm welcome to General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam. The fact that he has visited India within a month of becoming President and that he has come along with a high-level delegation clearly reflects the priority he attaches to India-Vietnam relations. Making it even more special is the fact that he began his India visit from Bodh Gaya, reflecting the shared civilisational and spiritual traditions of our two countries," PM Modi wrote on X.
In another post on X, PM Modi said that the two leaders discussed how to advance developmental cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and tourism.
"During our talks today, we discussed how to advance developmental cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and tourism. We have taken key decisions that will increase trade to $25 billion by 2030. We also discussed how to work together in agricultural, fisheries, critical minerals, rare earths and energy cooperation. Priority will also be given towards enhancing cultural linkages," PM wrote.
According to a PTI report, following the Modi–Lam meeting, the two sides signed 13 agreements covering areas including digital payments, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, education, banking, and culture, aimed at deepening bilateral engagement.
The leaders also discussed the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s increasing assertiveness, with both sides agreeing to continue working for “rule of law, peace, stability, and prosperity.”
It is understood that China’s military activity in the South China Sea also featured in the delegation-level discussions.
President To Lam, who was elected earlier this month, is on his first state visit to India, leading a high-level delegation for a three-day trip.
“A decade ago, Vietnam became India's first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) . Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress,” PM Modi said in his media statement.
“Building on this strong foundation, today we are elevating our relations to the level of Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We will now advance our partnership to even higher goals,” he said.
“Our cooperation will reach new levels in every area ' culture, connectivity, and capacity building, as well as security, sustainability, and supply chain resilience,” PM Modi added.
He noted that bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade to about $16 billion, adding that both sides now aim to raise it to $25 billion by 2030.
PM Modi also highlighted a series of agreements expected to boost economic engagement, including in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
“The MoU between our drug authorities will now increase access to Indian medicines in Vietnam. Exports of Indian agricultural, fisheries, and animal products to Vietnam are also set to become easier. Very soon, Vietnam will taste India's grapes and pomegranates,” he said.
The two countries also agreed to update the India–ASEAN trade agreement by the end of the year, a move expected to boost regional trade and investment.
“This will provide a new impetus to trade and investment between India and all ASEAN countries. New initiatives in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy cooperation will ensure the economic security and supply chain resilience of both countries,” PM Modi said.
“To boost financial connectivity, we have today decided to enhance cooperation between our central banks. India's UPI and Vietnam's fast payment systems will soon be linked. Furthermore, we are strengthening state-to-state and city-to-city cooperation between the two countries,” he added.
PM Modi also thanked Vietnam for condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack and expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
“In this era of global turmoil and economic challenges, thanks to their talent, good governance, and economic reforms, India and Vietnam are emerging as the world's fastest-growing economies,” he said.
“Now, through our enhanced strategic partnership, we will support each other's rapid growth. As the Buddha's teachings say, 'If you light a lamp for someone else, it also illuminates your own path',” PM Modi added.
He described Vietnam as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Vision Ocean, adding that both countries share a similar outlook on Indo-Pacific stability and will strengthen defence cooperation to promote regional peace.
President Lam said both sides agreed to deepen political trust and expand security cooperation.
Earlier cooperation between the two countries includes agreements on submarine search and rescue mechanisms and defence industry collaboration.
