India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · VIETNAM
India & Vietnam
COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERACT EAST POLICYSOUTH CHINA SEA ALIGNMENTDEFENCE PARTNER
India and Vietnam have built one of Southeast Asia's most substantive bilateral relationships, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. Shared strategic concerns about China's maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, complementary economic interests, and India's Act East Policy have driven rapid deepening across defence, trade, energy and connectivity. Vietnam is a key pillar of India's ASEAN engagement.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Vietnam actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 estimates. India exports machinery, steel, cotton and pharmaceuticals; Vietnam exports electronics and natural rubber.
$15bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$6.5bn
India exports to country
$8.5bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$15bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1972, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The relationship is in strong upward trajectory. Defence cooperation is the fastest-moving pillar, with the BrahMos export decision the most watched near-term deliverable. Trade is growing toward the USD 20 billion target. The South China Sea strategic alignment continues to provide an underlying convergence of interests that drives both parties to invest in the relationship.
