Nearly 250 scholars and policymakers from the two countries mulled over the prospects of Vietnam-India ties, India’s diplomatic policy and its impacts on bilateral ties, the “Look East” and “Act East” policy.
Reports to the event highlighted bilateral co-operation achievements made in the fields of economy, energy, national defence-security, culture, education-training, science and technology, especially since the establishment of their strategic partnership in 2007.
Participants shared view that the Vietnam-India ties have progressed to an extent that needs to open up a new period.
In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said it is time to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both countries should be more active to strengthen mutual understanding and share information, including opportunities in business and tourism, thereby connecting the two peoples and businesses in the new context, he said, adding that they need to exchange high-level visits to foster political trust, maintain the effective partnership in national defence-security and work closely together at regional and global forums.
According to the Ambassador, Vietnam should be more active in its co-operation with India in science-technology, culture and education, as well as uphold its role as a coordinator in India-ASEAN ties for 2015-2018.
He expressed his belief that the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and India are seeing many opportunities and prospects ahead.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and India rose five-fold to over US$5 billion in 2015 from US$1 billion in 2007. The flow of travellers between them surged six-fold to 120,000 from 20,000 during the period.
Indian investment in Vietnam rose from nearly US$200 million to US$570 million.
The seminar also gave scholars an opportunity to analyse the impacts of new developments in the world situation on Vietnam-India ties, as well as the influence of the shift in India’s policy from “Looking East” to “Acting East” on the country’s ties with Vietnam and the ASEAN.
