India must strengthen ties with Vietnam

Background: India set up its Consul General's office in Hanoi in 1956, while Vietnam established its diplomatic mission in 1972. During the Vietnam War, India supported Vietnam against U.S. intervention, despite the strain it caused in Indo-U.S. relations. The ties were reinforced in the early 1990s when India launched its "Look East Policy," focusing on economic integration and political collaboration with Southeast Asia and East Asia.

News:

India must learn from Vietnam’s journey:

Vietnam's Historical Struggles:

Vietnam's history is recounted, starting with its fight against French colonial rule and subsequent engagement in the Vietnam War against the United States. The devastation caused by wars, including the use of Agent Orange, is highlighted.

Transformation and Reconciliation:

Despite the harrowing past, Vietnam has undergone a miraculous transformation, achieving independence and unity. The nation has moved beyond bitterness, fostering friendly relations with both the US and China. The emphasis is on reconciliation and looking towards a bright future.

Vietnam's Wisdom and Defence Policy:

The article shares insights from Ton Sinh Thanh, Vietnam's ambassador to India, who emphasizes the Vietnamese approach of not forgetting but forgiving. Vietnam's wise defence policy, articulated as the "Four Nos," underscores its commitment to peace, non-alignment, and cooperation.

Economic Success and Grievances:

Vietnam's economic reforms, known as 'Doi Moi,' have yielded remarkable results, with impressive growth in per capita income and exports. However, the article notes grievances among Vietnamese officials regarding India's perceived lack of attention to expanding trade relations.

Call for Swift Action by India:

The article concludes with a call for India to "Act East" promptly, urging New Delhi to capitalize on the vast opportunities Vietnam presents. The need for India to respond positively to Vietnam's interest in a Free Trade Agreement is underscored for mutual economic benefit and enhanced regional influence.

Areas of cooperation

Strategic Partnership:

• India and Vietnam aim to enhance their strategic partnership aligned with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and ASEAN's Outlook on Indo-Pacific for shared security and prosperity in the region.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade and economic ties have improved, especially after the signing of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
• India acknowledges Vietnam as a potential regional power with political stability and substantial economic growth.
• India invests in Vietnam through projects in water Resource management, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and digital connectivity.

Trade Relations:

• Bilateral trade for FY 2020-2021 reached USD 11.12 billion.
• Indian exports to Vietnam amounted to USD 4.99 billion, while imports from Vietnam stood at USD 6.12 billion.

Defence Cooperation:

• Vietnam seeks modernization of its armed forces, and India is interested in enhancing the defence capabilities of its Southeast Asian partners.
• Areas of cooperation include the procurement of India's Akash surface-to-air systems, Dhruv advanced light helicopters, and Brahmos missiles.
• Defence collaboration involves capacity building, addressing common security concerns, personnel training, and joint efforts in defence research and development.
• Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan provided flood relief materials during a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in 2020 and engaged in the PASSEX Exercise with the Vietnam People’s Navy.

China Factor:

• Both India and Vietnam, having historical issues with China, naturally come closer to jointly address concerns related to China's aggressive actions.

Cooperation at Multiple Fora:

• Both nations concurrently serve as non-permanent members at the UN Security Council in 2021.
• Collaboration extends to regional forums such as the East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, and Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).

People-to-People Contacts:

• The year 2019 marked the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, promoting bilateral tourism through a simplified visa regime.
• Events like Mahatma@150 celebrations and artificial limb fitment camps in Vietnam fostered people-to-people contacts and humanitarian initiatives.

Facts about Vietnam:

Location:

Vietnam is situated in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east and south.

Capital:

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi.

Largest Rivers:

Vietnam is home to significant rivers, with the Mekong in the south and the Red in the north, both culminating at the South China Sea.

Currency:

The official currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Independence:

Vietnam declared its independence on September 2, 1945, liberating itself from French colonial rule.

Historical Events:

• The Vietnam War (1955-1975) unfolded, involving the US and both North and South Vietnam.
• The reunification of North and South Vietnam occurred in 1976.

Festivals:

• Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Lunar New Year, is a significant festival in Vietnam.
• Vu Lan, the Hungry Ghost Festival, is also celebrated in the country.