Introduction

India’s relationship with Vietnam has evolved from historical and cultural engagement into a comprehensive strategic partnership with significant geopolitical and security dimensions. This transformation reflects the broader shift of India’s Act East Policy from primarily economic and diplomatic engagement to a more strategic and security-oriented Indo-Pacific vision. In the context of rising maritime competition, regional instability, and concerns over freedom of navigation, Vietnam has emerged as a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Evolution of India’s Act East Policy

1. From “Look East” to “Act East”

Look East Policy (1991)

Initiated after economic liberalisation, it focused on:

• Trade and economic integration with Southeast Asia
• Engagement with ASEAN
• Cultural and diplomatic outreach

Act East Policy (2014)

The policy acquired stronger strategic dimensions:

• Maritime security cooperation
• Defence partnerships
• Indo-Pacific connectivity
• Regional balancing strategy

2. Emergence of the Indo-Pacific Vision

India’s Indo-Pacific approach emphasizes:

• A free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific
• Respect for international law and UNCLOS
• ASEAN centrality
• Maritime security and strategic partnerships

Vietnam occupies a central place in this framework due to its geopolitical location in the South China Sea.

India–Vietnam Strategic Partnership as a Reflection of This Shift

1. Deepening Defence and Security Cooperation

India’s engagement with Vietnam increasingly focuses on strategic and military cooperation.

Major Areas

• Naval exercises and port visits
• Defence training programmes
• Capacity building for Vietnamese armed forces
• Cooperation in maritime domain awareness

Example

India extended a Line of Credit to Vietnam for defence procurement and patrol vessels.

Significance

This reflects India’s transition from economic diplomacy to strategic balancing in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Maritime Cooperation in the South China Sea

Vietnam is strategically important due to its location near contested maritime zones.

Areas of Convergence

• Freedom of navigation
• Peaceful dispute resolution
• Respect for UNCLOS 1982

India’s energy exploration projects in Vietnamese waters demonstrate its growing Indo-Pacific presence.

3. Counterbalancing Regional Power Expansion

The partnership reflects shared concerns regarding increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Importance

• Vietnam strengthens India’s engagement with ASEAN.
• India supports a multipolar and rules-based regional order.

Thus, the partnership contributes to strategic equilibrium in Asia.

4. Strengthening ASEAN-Centric Indo-Pacific Architecture

India views Vietnam as a crucial bridge to ASEAN institutions.

Cooperation Through

• East Asia Summit
• ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus)
• Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

This aligns with India’s emphasis on ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.

5. Expanding Cooperation Beyond Security

The Indo-Pacific vision also includes resilient economic and technological partnerships.

Emerging Areas

• Supply chain resilience
• Digital economy
• Renewable energy
• Semiconductor cooperation

Bilateral trade has crossed USD 15 billion, reflecting growing economic interdependence.

Broader Strategic Significance

1. Enhancing India’s Regional Presence

Vietnam enables India to strengthen its strategic footprint in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea region.

2. Supporting SAGAR Vision

The partnership aligns with India’s:

SAGAR Doctrine

(Security and Growth for All in the Region)

which promotes cooperative maritime security.

3. Promoting a Rules-Based International Order

Both countries support:

• Sovereignty and territorial integrity
• International law
• Multilateralism

This strengthens democratic and rule-based governance in the Indo-Pacific.

Challenges in the Partnership

1. Chinese Strategic Sensitivities

Deepening India–Vietnam cooperation may invite geopolitical pressure.

2. Limited Connectivity and Trade Potential

Despite strategic convergence, economic engagement remains below potential.

3. Resource and Capacity Constraints

India’s strategic ambitions require sustained investments in maritime and defence capabilities.

Value Addition

Important Agreements

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016)
• Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People (2020)

Important Doctrine

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

India’s framework promoting maritime cooperation, sustainability, and regional security.

Expert View

Strategists describe Vietnam as India’s “most trusted strategic partner” in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

India’s strategic partnership with Vietnam clearly reflects the transformation of the Act East Policy into a broader Indo-Pacific strategy with strong security and geopolitical dimensions. By deepening defence cooperation, maritime engagement, and regional coordination, both countries are contributing to a stable, rules-based, and multipolar Indo-Pacific order. In the coming years, this partnership is likely to become an increasingly important pillar of India’s regional and global strategic vision.