NEW DELHI: India and Vietnam agreed to raise their bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030 and deepen strategic cooperation after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam.

The meeting, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, covered a wide range of areas including defence and security, trade and investment, science and technology, maritime collaboration, renewable and nuclear energy, space, and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and global developments were also discussed.

During the talks, Modi expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and its support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed to upgrade it to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” indicating closer and more dynamic ties.

Among key outcomes, the two countries set a target of achieving $25 billion in trade by 2030 and announced Vietnam’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to promote sustainable maritime cooperation.

India also pledged support for setting up a Site Interpretation Centre at the My Son Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting growing cultural cooperation.

To boost agricultural trade, both sides agreed to allow market access for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians.

The leaders also oversaw the exchange of 13 Memoranda of Understanding across sectors such as rare earth minerals, culture, digital payments, healthcare, tourism, education, academic exchanges, and sister-city partnerships.

The MEA noted that these outcomes would help strengthen supply chain resilience, expand economic ties, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.