A Bridge Over Troubled Waters: India-Vietnam Relations in the 21st Century

India and Vietnam, two ancient civilizations at the crossroads of Asia, share a bond that transcends mere geographical proximity. Rooted in shared cultural heritage, nurtured by mutual respect, and propelled by converging strategic interests, the India-Vietnam relationship has blossomed into a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in the 21st century. This partnership, multifaceted and dynamic, holds immense potential for both nations, promising to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Historical Ties: A Foundation of Shared Values

1. Ancient Links: The historical connections between India and Vietnam date back millennia, evidenced by the spread of Buddhism from India to Vietnam in the 2nd century AD. This cultural exchange laid the foundation for enduring religious, philosophical, and artistic connections that continue to bind the two nations.
2. Anti-Colonial Solidarity: Both India and Vietnam experienced the yoke of colonialism, fostering a shared understanding and empathy for each other's struggles for independence. This shared history of resistance against colonial powers instilled a deep sense of camaraderie and laid the groundwork for future political collaboration.
3. Nehru's Vision: Post-independence, India, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, extended unwavering support to Vietnam during its struggle for unification. This support, both moral and material, cemented India's image as a reliable friend and partner in the eyes of the Vietnamese people.
4. Look East Policy: The initiation of India's "Look East Policy" in the 1990s marked a watershed moment, actively seeking closer economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam. This policy shift reflected India's recognition of Vietnam's growing importance in the regional and global arena.
5. Elevation to Strategic Partnership: The steady strengthening of ties culminated in the establishment of a "Strategic Partnership" in 2007, further elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in 2016. This upgrade reflects the deepening trust and convergence of strategic interests between the two nations.

Economic Cooperation: A Partnership for Prosperity

1. Trade Ties: Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades, reaching over USD 14 billion in 2022. Key sectors of trade include agricultural products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electronics.
2. Investment Flows: Indian companies are increasingly viewing Vietnam as an attractive investment destination, drawn by its stable political environment, competitive labor costs, and favorable investment policies. Major Indian investments are present in energy, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and infrastructure development.
3. Development Assistance: India has been actively supporting Vietnam's development journey through various capacity-building programs, concessional lines of credit, and grants. These initiatives focus on areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, and infrastructure.
4. Connectivity Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of enhanced connectivity, both countries are collaborating on developing road and maritime infrastructure projects, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which aims to improve connectivity between Southeast Asia and India's northeast.
5. Digital Partnership: In the realm of the digital economy, both nations are exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas like e-commerce, fintech, and cybersecurity, leveraging India's expertise in IT and Vietnam's burgeoning digital economy.

Strategic Convergence: A Partnership for Security

1. Shared Security Concerns: Both India and Vietnam face common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including maritime security threats, terrorism, and the rise of China's assertiveness. This shared threat perception forms a crucial pillar of their strategic convergence.
2. Defense Cooperation: Defense cooperation is a cornerstone of the India-Vietnam partnership. Regular high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, and training programs for Vietnamese personnel in Indian defense institutions are enhancing interoperability and mutual trust.
3. Maritime Security Cooperation: Given their extensive coastlines and shared interests in the South China Sea, maritime security cooperation is paramount. Joint naval exercises, sharing of maritime domain awareness, and collaboration in hydrography and oceanography are vital aspects of this cooperation.
4. Support for International Law: Both nations advocate for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, upholding the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This shared commitment to international law is crucial in countering unilateral actions in the region.
5. Strategic Dialogue Mechanisms: Robust dialogue mechanisms, including the annual Strategic Dialogue between Foreign Ministers, Defense Policy Dialogue, and Joint Commission meetings, provide platforms for regular consultations and coordination on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties: A Bridge Between Hearts

1. Buddhist Heritage: The shared legacy of Buddhism continues to foster strong cultural ties. Numerous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India attract Vietnamese tourists and monks, strengthening spiritual connections and promoting cultural exchange.
2. Educational Exchanges: Student exchange programs, academic collaborations, and scholarships offered by both countries are fostering greater understanding and goodwill among the younger generations, creating a strong foundation for future cooperation.
3. Tourism Promotion: Recognising the potential of tourism in strengthening ties, both countries are actively promoting tourism and facilitating easier visa regimes. The popularity of Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India amongst Vietnamese tourists further strengthens these bonds.
4. Cultural Festivals: Cultural festivals and events showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of both nations are organized regularly, providing a platform for people-to-people interactions and fostering appreciation for each other's traditions.
5. Language Promotion: Initiatives to promote the learning of each other's languages, particularly Hindi and Vietnamese, are gaining momentum. This focus on language learning will not only enhance cultural understanding but also facilitate closer economic and business ties.

Challenges and the Future: Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape

Despite the robust and multifaceted nature of the India-Vietnam partnership, several challenges require careful navigation to realize the full potential of this relationship.

1. China Factor: China's assertive posture in the South China Sea poses a significant challenge. While not explicitly directed against China, the strengthening of India-Vietnam ties is often perceived through the lens of China's rise. Balancing their respective relations with China, while deepening their partnership, requires delicate diplomatic maneuvering.
2. Economic Asymmetry: While trade between both nations is growing, a significant trade imbalance exists in favor of Vietnam. Addressing this imbalance and exploring new avenues for Indian businesses in Vietnam's growing market is crucial for a sustainable economic partnership.
3. Connectivity Gaps: Despite initiatives, infrastructure and connectivity gaps persist, hindering the full potential of trade and people-to-people contact. Expediting the completion of ongoing connectivity projects and exploring new avenues for cooperation in this domain is crucial.
4. US Factor: The evolving role of the United States in the Indo-Pacific adds another layer of complexity. While both India and Vietnam engage with the US, finding a balance that serves their respective national interests, without being drawn into a zero-sum game, remains a constant challenge.
5. ASEAN Centrality: India must be mindful of ASEAN's centrality in Southeast Asia and Vietnam's role within the bloc. Ensuring that India's engagement with Vietnam complements and strengthens the broader India-ASEAN partnership is paramount.

Conclusion: A Partnership of Shared Destiny

The India-Vietnam partnership stands as a shining example of how shared values, converging interests, and mutual respect can overcome historical baggage and geopolitical complexities. As both nations navigate the uncertainties of the 21st century, their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be pivotal in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The deepening of this partnership is not merely a matter of strategic calculus, but a reflection of a shared destiny, driven by a common vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. In a world grappling with uncertainties, the India-Vietnam relationship provides a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of cooperation and understanding.