Vietnam recently announced the appointment of the Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in Bangalore. This move aims to foster trade, economics, investment, education, and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and the State of Karnataka. Industrialist N.S. Srinivasa Murthy, based in Bengaluru, has been appointed for the role, making him the first honorary consul general of Vietnam from India.
India-Vietnam Relations: A Historical Outlook
Cultural and economic ties between India and Vietnam span back to the 2nd century. To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, they have decided to host several commemorative activities in 2022. Prior to the establishment of official diplomatic ties in 1972, India offered support to Vietnam’s anti-colonial struggle during its independence movement.
During the Cold War period, India backed Hanoi’s “Four Points” for resolving the Vietnam conflict, including during the American war in Vietnam. India’s support continued during the Kampuchea crisis (Cambodian–Vietnamese War) in the late 1970s.
The Look East Policy and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
India initiated its “Look East Policy” in the early 1990s, aiming for economic integration and political cooperation with Southeast Asia and East Asia. This policy underwent an evolution in 2014, becoming the ‘Act East Policy’. By 2016, due to new security challenges emerging in the 21st century, the strategic partnership between these countries was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Defence Cooperation and Geostrategic Convergence
The defence partnership consists of sales of military equipment to Vietnam and training Vietnam’s armed forces in the use of particular military equipment. India and Vietnam share apprehension of an aggressive China, particularly due to its claims on the South China Sea and its assertiveness in the Indian Ocean.
Regional and Economic Cooperation
Both countries closely cooperate in different regional forums such as ASEAN, East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, UN and WTO. Vietnam has endorsed India’s bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Economic relations have improved significantly in recent years.
Science and Technology Cooperation
India and Vietnam have signed framework agreements regarding cooperation in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, Information Technology, Cyber Security, and the use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes.
The Way Forward
Keeping strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in mind, especially those posed by China, India and Vietnam should work closely at multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council. Vietnam’s role in ASEAN can facilitate more cooperation on regional security issues between India and ASEAN.
On the economic front, both countries need to capitalise on the opportunities presented due to anti-China sentiments and the shift of several manufacturing firms from China.
Expedition of Defence deals is another area that needs attention. This assumes more significance for India after the Galwan valley Clash & China’s flouting of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.