Sturgeons are among the most endangered species groups on Earth, with a lineage dating back to the age of dinosaurs. The WWF report has highlighted alarming trends in illegal sturgeon fishing and trade, impacting over 1,000 species in the last five years.

Key Points

• Endangered Status: Sturgeons are considered the most endangered species group globally, primarily due to illegal fishing and unsustainable trade practices.
• Habitat: These fish inhabit freshwater and coastal waters, as well as inner seas in various regions, including:
• Azerbaijan
• Bulgaria
• Other European countries
• North America
• Exploitation: Sturgeons are heavily exploited for their roe (caviar) and meat, leading to significant population declines worldwide. The demand for caviar has particularly driven illegal fishing practices, further endangering these species.

Conservation Challenges

The combination of habitat loss, overfishing, and illegal trade poses a critical threat to sturgeon populations. Effective conservation measures and stricter enforcement of regulations are essential to protect these ancient fish and ensure their survival for future generations.

Recommendations for Sturgeon Conservation

To combat the illegal trade and ensure the survival of sturgeon populations, the following recommendations have been proposed:

• Enhanced Controls of Domestic Trade: Strengthening regulations to monitor and control the trade of sturgeon products within countries.
• Control of CITES Caviar Labelling Requirements: Ensuring compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) for caviar labeling.
• Improved Inter-Agency Cooperation: Fostering collaboration between different government agencies involved in wildlife protection and law enforcement.
• Increased Border Controls: Enhancing border security to prevent illegal trafficking of sturgeon and their products.
• State-of-the-Art Forensic Analysis: Utilizing advanced forensic methods to track and verify the origins of caviar and other sturgeon products.
• Conducting Market Surveys: Performing regular surveys to monitor market conditions and illegal trade activities.

About Sturgeon

History:

• Sturgeons have existed for around 200 million years, dating back to the time of dinosaurs.
• Some species can grow up to eight meters in length and can live for more than a century.
• They are often referred to as "living fossils" due to their minimal morphological changes over geological time.

Habitat:

• There are 27 species of sturgeons and paddlefish, primarily distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Most species are anadromous, spawning in freshwater but living in marine or brackish waters for much of their life.
• Sturgeons are characterized by being late-maturing, slow-growing, and not reproducing annually, which complicates recovery from overexploitation.

Threats:

• Habitat Degradation: Damming of rivers has significantly hindered migratory routes necessary for reproduction, affecting spawning habitats and altering flow and temperature conditions.
• Juvenile Recruitment Issues: Transformation and degradation of estuarine habitats have negatively impacted the recruitment of juvenile sturgeons.
• Poaching: Sturgeons are heavily targeted for their meat and caviar, which is highly valued as a delicacy.

Protection Status:

• Of the six sturgeon species found in the Danube River, five are now classified as critically endangered.

Conclusion

Sturgeons are facing a precarious future due to human activities, particularly illegal fishing and trade. Protecting their habitats and implementing sustainable management practices are crucial steps needed to conserve these remarkable creatures and restore their populations.

Recently, the Ministry of Finance announced an amendment concerning the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax on real estate, responding to criticism regarding earlier proposals made in the Budget 2024-25.

Key Aspects of the Amendment

• Choice for Taxpayers: Taxpayers are now given the option to choose between a new, lower LTCG tax rate or to continue with the existing regime, which offers a higher rate but includes indexation benefits.
• Background of Criticism: The initial proposal aimed to eliminate the indexation benefit while reducing the LTCG tax rate from 20% to 12.5%. This led to significant pushback from experts who argued that removing indexation would unfairly inflate capital gains due to inflation.

Understanding Indexation

• Definition: Indexation adjusts the original purchase price of an asset to account for inflation, thus neutralizing its impact on capital gains calculations.
• Mechanism:
• The adjustment involves revising the cost of acquisition upward based on inflation during the holding period of the asset.
• The revised cost, termed the indexed cost of acquisition, serves as the new base for calculating gains or losses upon sale or redemption.
• Importance:
• Realistic Gains: The returns calculated using indexed costs are typically seen as more accurate compared to absolute gains, especially for assets held over long periods.
• Inflation Impact: Without indexation, long-term holdings can show exaggerated gains that do not reflect the actual increase in value after accounting for inflation.

Implications of the Amendment

• Flexibility for Taxpayers: The amendment allows taxpayers to choose a path that best suits their financial situations, potentially mitigating the impact of inflation on their capital gains.
• Encouragement for Investment: By maintaining the option for indexation, the government may encourage long-term investments in real estate, recognizing the importance of inflation-adjusted returns.

Conclusion

The amendment regarding LTCG tax provides a significant shift by allowing taxpayers to opt for a lower tax rate while retaining the benefits of indexation. This change aims to balance the government's revenue needs with the economic realities of inflation, ensuring a more equitable taxation framework for long-term capital gains in real estate.

Recent Developments

• International Conference: The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, organized a two-day International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava in Nalanda, Bihar. The conference explored themes such as his life, teachings, travels across the Himalayas, and his contemporary relevance.

About Guru Padmasambhava

• Title and Legacy: Regarded as the "Second Buddha," Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche ("Precious Guru"), is a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Born from a lotus flower, he is considered a central figure in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.
• Historical Context: Guru Padmasambhava lived in the 8th century CE. He arrived in Tibet in 749 AD and spent 54 years there. Alongside Acharya Shanta Rakshita and King Thisong Deotsen, he is recognized as one of the founding figures of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Vajrayana Buddhism: Guru Padmasambhava is instrumental in the establishment of Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Mahayana Buddhism that developed in northern India around the 5th century CE and later spread to Tibet. Vajrayana is also known as Tantric Buddhism, emphasizing esoteric practices and rituals.
• Cultural Influence: Guru Padmasambhava's influence extends beyond spiritual teachings. He represents a blend of various cultural elements, including Yogic and Tantric practices, meditation, art, music, dance, magic, folklore, and religious teachings. His teachings and practices helped shape the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Himalayan region.

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

• Overview: The International Buddhist Confederation is a global Buddhist organization based in New Delhi. It serves as a common platform for Buddhists around the world, promoting dialogue and cooperation among diverse Buddhist communities.
• Membership: Established under the guidance of leading Buddhist religious figures, the IBC has over 320 member organizations across 39 countries. It aims to foster unity and mutual understanding among Buddhists and support the spread of Buddhist values and practices globally.

The recent conference at Nalanda highlights the enduring significance of Guru Padmasambhava's teachings and his impact on both historical and contemporary Buddhist practices.

Why in the News?

The MyGov platform has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of citizen engagement in governance.

About MyGov Platform

• Launch: Initiated by the Prime Minister, MyGov serves as a citizen engagement platform that collaborates with various government bodies and ministries.
• Purpose: It aims to involve citizens in policy formulation and gather public opinion on issues affecting welfare and governance.
• Impact: Since its inception in 2014, the platform has grown to include over 4.72 crore registered users, known as MyGov Saathis.

Major MyGov Campaigns

• LiFE Campaign: Focuses on individual and community actions to combat environmental degradation and climate change.
• Stay Safe Online: Launched during India’s G20 presidency, this initiative educates citizens about online risks and safety measures.
• Swachh Bharat Survekshan: Encourages public participation in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene through interactive activities.
• Millet-SuperFood: Highlights the nutritional benefits of millets and their role in preventing lifestyle diseases.

How Citizen Participation Helps in Good Governance

• Accountability and Transparency:
• Citizen feedback helps hold government officials accountable, fostering transparency. For example, the Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek information, promoting accountability.
• Improved Service Delivery:
• Active participation in policymaking ensures that citizens' needs are prioritized. For instance, community input in evaluating Delhi's Mohalla Clinics has enhanced access to quality healthcare.
• Fostering Inclusivity:
• Engaging diverse voices in governance promotes equity and social justice. Initiatives like the MGNREGA social audit ensure that marginalized groups are heard and prioritized.
• Trust-Building:
• Citizen participation strengthens trust in government institutions, reinforcing democratic values. For instance, Gram Sabhas enhance community trust at the grassroots level.
• Innovation:
• Citizen engagement brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to governance challenges. For example, a Mysuru-based firm developed environmentally friendly interlock tiles using plastic waste, showcasing how citizen-led innovation can strengthen governance.

Challenges Associated with Citizen Participation in Good Governance

• Lack of Commitment:
• Meaningful engagement in policymaking demands time, effort, and resources, which citizens often struggle to provide. This can lead to inconsistent participation and diminished effectiveness.
• Limited Engagement:
• Many citizens lack knowledge about government processes, laws, and their own rights, which can hinder their ability to participate effectively. Additionally, complex procedures and bureaucratic red tape can discourage involvement.
• Administrative Challenges:
• Governments may lack the capacity to effectively manage large-scale citizen participation. This includes difficulties in processing feedback, organizing events, and ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and acted upon.
• Limited Trust in Government:
• Low public trust, stemming from unfulfilled promises, perceptions of corruption and nepotism, and a history of ignoring community input, can create a barrier to citizen participation. When people feel their voices won't lead to change, they are less likely to engage.
• Social Factors:
• Socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and traditions, such as patriarchy, can limit participation among marginalized groups, including women. These barriers can restrict equal access and the ability to engage in governance.

Way Ahead for Enhancing Citizen Participation in Good Governance

• Accessibility:
• Open Data Initiatives: Release government data in structured formats to enhance transparency. Strengthening the Right to Information (RTI) Act can empower citizens to access critical information easily.
• Awareness:
• Education Programs: Integrate governance and civic education into school curricula. Organize workshops and community programs to inform citizens about their rights, the importance of participation, and how to effectively engage in governance processes.
• Digital Platforms:
• E-Governance Enhancement: Invest in robust digital infrastructure and develop user-friendly e-governance platforms. These platforms should allow citizens to access information easily and provide feedback, thereby facilitating greater participation.
• Inclusive Policy-Making:
• Public Consultations: Regularly organize public consultations and hearings on key policy decisions. Ensure representation from diverse communities, particularly marginalized groups, to strengthen the governance process. For example, enhancing the public hearing component of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) can promote inclusivity.
• Grievance Redressal:
• Streamlined Mechanisms: Strengthen and streamline grievance redressal systems to ensure that citizen complaints are addressed promptly. Establishing effective feedback systems will enhance trust in governance and improve policy implementation.

Important Aspects of Governance

Definition of Governance
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1997, governance is defined as “the process and institutions through which decisions are made and authority in a country is exercised.” This encompasses both formal and informal actors and institutions involved in decision-making and implementation.

Key Actors in Governance

• State:
• Comprises the various organs of government, including:
• Legislature: Responsible for making laws.
• Judiciary: Interprets laws and ensures justice.
• Executive: Implements laws and policies.
• Market:
• Represents the private sector, which includes:
• Large corporate houses.
• Small-scale establishments and informal businesses.
• Civil Society:
• The most diverse group, including:
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• Trade unions and pressure groups.
• Religious organizations and community groups.

Good Governance

Concept of Good Governance
Good governance refers to the positive attributes and values associated with governance quality. Key principles include:

• Ethos: A commitment to serving citizens.
• Ethics: Adherence to honesty, integrity, and transparency.
• Equity: Treating all citizens fairly, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
• Efficiency: Ensuring speedy and effective service delivery, leveraging technology for better outcomes.

Characteristics of Good Governance

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) identifies eight core characteristics of good governance:

• Participation: Encouraging involvement from all stakeholders, especially marginalized groups.
• Rule of Law: Ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently.
• Transparency: Making decision-making processes open and clear to the public.
• Responsiveness: Addressing the needs and concerns of citizens in a timely manner.
• Consensus-Oriented: Balancing diverse interests to reach a broad agreement.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: Ensuring that all groups have opportunities to improve their well-being.
• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Delivering quality services in a sustainable manner.
• Accountability: Holding government officials and institutions responsible for their actions.

Key Terms in Good Governance

• Consensus Oriented:
  Good governance requires the mediation of different interests within society to achieve a broad consensus. This involves dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to find common ground.
• Rule of Law:
  Effective governance necessitates impartially enforced legal frameworks. An independent judiciary and a transparent, incorruptible police force are vital for ensuring justice and the fair enforcement of laws.
• Participation:
  Participation from all segments of society is fundamental to good governance. It allows citizens to engage in decision-making and the implementation of government activities. The MyGov platform exemplifies participatory governance, facilitating citizen involvement in policy formulation.
• Transparency:
  Information must be readily available in an easily understandable format, accessible to those affected by decisions and their enforcement. The Right to Information (RTI) Act serves as a powerful tool for enhancing transparency, empowering citizens to seek information from the government.
• Accountability:
  Accountability involves recognizing and taking responsibility for actions, decisions, and policies. Key components include answerability, sanctions, redress, and system improvement. Accountability relies on transparency and the rule of law to be effective.
• Responsive:
  Responsive governance focuses on addressing citizen grievances, ensuring a citizen-friendly approach, and providing timely delivery of essential services. This includes mechanisms for feedback and redressal.
• Effective and Efficient:
  Good governance ensures that processes and institutions yield optimal results while making the best use of available resources. Efficiency is about maximizing outputs while minimizing waste.
• Equitable and Inclusive:
  The well-being of society hinges on ensuring that all members feel they have a stake in it. Good governance fosters inclusion and addresses the needs of marginalized groups to prevent exclusion from the mainstream.

Strategies for Good Governance

• Reorienting State Priorities:
  Focus on investing in human needs to enhance social welfare.
• Provision of Social Safety Nets:
  Establish systems to support the poor and marginalized, ensuring their basic needs are met.
• Strengthening State Institutions:
  Build capacity and integrity within state institutions to improve governance effectiveness.
• Reforming Parliament:
  Introduce appropriate reforms to enhance the functioning and effectiveness of parliamentary processes.
• Enhancing Civil Services Capacity:
  Implement reforms in civil services that align performance with accountability, ensuring efficient service delivery.
• Forging Alliances with Civil Society:
  Collaborate with civil society organizations to enhance participatory governance and address community needs.
• Evolving Government-Business Cooperation:
  Develop new frameworks for cooperation between government and the business sector to promote economic growth while ensuring social responsibility.

Dimensions of Governance in India

• Political Dimension
• Exercise of Franchise: Ensuring free and fair elections and the active participation of citizens in the electoral process.
• Profile and Conduct of Political Representatives: Accountability and ethical behavior of elected officials and political parties.
• Functioning of Legislature: Effectiveness and transparency in legislative processes, including law-making and representation.
• Political Decentralization: Empowering local governance through decentralized structures and participation of grassroots communities.
• Legal & Judicial Dimension
• Law & Order and Internal Security: Maintaining peace and security while respecting civil rights.
• Safeguard of Basic Rights: Protection of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
• Citizen-Friendliness of the Police: Building trust between the police and the community, emphasizing community policing.
• Access to Justice and Judicial Accountability: Ensuring timely access to justice and holding the judiciary accountable for its actions.
• Administrative Dimension
• Citizen Interface and Engagement: Encouraging active participation and feedback from citizens in governance processes.
• Managing Resources: Efficient management of human, financial, and other resources to deliver public services effectively.
• Basic Service Delivery: Ensuring timely and quality delivery of essential services to the populace.
• Corruption Perception, Vigilance, and Enforcement: Combating corruption through transparency and accountability measures.
• Economic Dimension
• Fiscal Discipline and Governance: Maintaining sound fiscal policies and budgetary discipline to ensure economic stability.
• Business Environment: Creating a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
• Support to the Primary Sector: Providing adequate support and resources to agriculture and rural development.
• Social and Environmental Dimension
• Welfare of the Poor and Vulnerable: Implementing programs aimed at improving the living conditions of marginalized groups.
• Role of Civil Society and Media: Engaging civil society and media in promoting accountability and transparency.
• Environmental Management: Ensuring sustainable practices and protecting natural resources.

Governance Issues in India

• Political Issues
• Criminalization of Politics: The influence of criminal elements in political processes.
• Misuse of Central Power: Centralization of power affecting federal structures.
• Decentralization in Letter, Not Spirit: Inadequate implementation of decentralized governance.
• Legal & Judicial Issues
• Delayed Justice and Under-Trials: Prolonged legal processes affecting access to justice.
• Lack of Accountability in Judiciary: Insufficient mechanisms for judicial oversight.
• Threat to Life and Personal Security: Issues related to personal safety and security for citizens.
• Administrative Issues
• Lack of Sensitivity and Transparency: Bureaucratic apathy and opaque functioning of state machinery.
• Bureaucratic Delays: Inefficiencies in the administrative processes leading to delays in service delivery.
• Resistance to Transparency: Hesitance in adopting reforms aimed at increasing accountability.
• Economic Issues
• Poor Management of the Economy: Challenges in fiscal management and economic planning.
• Persisting Fiscal Imbalances: Issues related to budget deficits and public debt.
• Regional Disparities and Income Inequalities: Unequal economic development across regions and social groups.
• Social and Environmental Issues
• Denial of Basic Services: Significant portions of the population lacking access to essential services.
• Marginalization and Exclusion: Social, religious, caste, and gender-based exclusion from governance.
• Deterioration of Physical Environment: Environmental degradation, particularly in urban settings.

Good Governance Initiatives in India

• Decentralization and People's Participation: Strengthened through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, promoting local self-governance.
• Programs for Weaker Sections: Development initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and backward areas.
• Financial Management: Ensuring budgetary integrity and accountability in financial governance.
• Simplification of Processes: Streamlining administrative procedures to enhance efficiency.
• e-Governance and M-Governance: Utilizing technology for efficient service delivery and citizen engagement.
• Post-Legislative Scrutiny: Mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation after enactment.
• Social Auditing: Promoting accountability through public review of government programs and services.
• Focus on Service Delivery: Implementing Citizen Charters and the Sevottam Model to improve service quality.

Principles for Effective Governance for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration emphasizes several principles essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These principles guide the governance processes that countries should adopt:

• Effectiveness
• Competence: Institutions need expertise, resources, and tools to fulfill their mandates effectively.
• Promote a professional public sector workforce.
• Implement strategic human resource management and leadership development.
• Ensure performance management and financial control.
• Invest in e-governance to enhance service delivery.
• Sound Policymaking: Policies should be coherent and based on solid evidence.
• Use strategic planning and regulatory impact analysis.
• Foster a science-policy interface to ensure informed decision-making.
• Collaboration: Institutions should work together and with non-state actors to address common challenges.
• Develop risk management frameworks and promote data sharing.
• Encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships and coordination across government levels.
• Accountability
• Integrity: Civil servants must perform their duties honestly and ethically.
• Promote anti-corruption measures and codes of conduct.
• Ensure competitive public procurement and conflict of interest policies.
• Transparency: Institutions should be open in their operations to allow public scrutiny.
• Implement proactive disclosure of information and budget transparency.
• Establish registries for beneficial ownership and lobby activities.
• Independent Oversight: Oversight agencies must operate professionally and independently.
• Ensure the independence of regulatory bodies and conduct independent audits.
• Inclusiveness
• Leaving No One Behind: Public policies should address the needs of all segments of society, especially the vulnerable.
• Promote equitable fiscal and monetary policies and social equity.
• Use data disaggregation for informed policy decisions.
• Non-Discrimination: Ensure access to public services is equitable.
• Promote diversity in the public sector and prohibit discrimination.
• Implement multilingual service delivery and cultural audits.
• Participation: Engage significant political groups in decision-making processes.
• Facilitate free and fair elections and public consultations.
• Encourage participatory budgeting and community-driven development.
• Subsidiarity: Central authorities should handle tasks that cannot be managed at local levels.
• Strengthen local governance and municipal finance systems.
• Enhance local capacities for disaster management and adaptation.
• Intergenerational Equity: Balance the needs of current and future generations.
• Conduct sustainable development impact assessments and long-term planning.
• Manage public debt with a focus on sustainability and ecosystem management.

Conclusion

By focusing on accessibility, awareness, digital innovation, inclusive policy-making, and effective grievance redressal, governments can significantly enhance citizen participation. This will not only foster a more engaged and informed citizenry but also strengthen democratic processes and improve governance outcomes.

Why in the News?

The recent state visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam to India has strengthened bilateral ties and yielded several key outcomes.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Plan of Action (2024-2028):
• A comprehensive plan was announced to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.
• Line of Credit:
• India extended a US$ 300 million credit line to enhance Vietnam's maritime security capabilities.
• Cultural Cooperation:
• A Letter of Intent was signed to conserve and restore the "My Son" World Heritage Site temples, highlighting a commitment to cultural heritage.
• MoUs Signed:
• Agreements were established for cooperation in radio and television and for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat.
• Other Announcements:
• Virtual inauguration of an Army Software Park in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
• Vietnam's participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was confirmed.

Historical Context

• Support for Independence: India supported Vietnam's struggle for independence from France and opposed US involvement during the Vietnam War. India was one of the first countries to recognize a united Vietnam in 1975.

Strategic Partnership

• Evolution of Ties: Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2007 and further to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, guided by the Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People 2020.

Economic Cooperation

• Trade Volume: Bilateral trade reached US$ 14.82 billion in 2023-2024, with Vietnam being India’s 23rd-largest global trade partner and 5th largest among ASEAN countries.

Defence Cooperation

• Multi-faceted Engagement: Defence cooperation includes dialogues, training exercises (like PASSEX, VINBAX, and MILAN), and capacity-building collaborations. In 2022, a Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030 was signed, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Logistics Support.

Supply Chain Integration

• Strategic Role: The partnership with Vietnam is crucial for India’s participation in building resilient regional and global supply chains, enhanced by Vietnam's Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.

Cultural Ties

• Shared Heritage: India and Vietnam have over 2,000 years of cultural and civilizational ties, with a strong connection through their shared Buddhist heritage.

Significance of Vietnam for India

Geostrategic Location

• Indo-Pacific Cruciality: Vietnam's position is vital for securing trade routes in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing regional stability.

Countering China

• Shared Concerns: Both countries face challenges from China; India in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, and Vietnam over claims in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.
• Advocacy Against China: Vietnam is a strong advocate against China's unilateral actions in the South China Sea, aligning interests with India.

Energy Security

• Hydrocarbon Investments: Indian investments in Vietnamese oil and gas exploration bolster energy security, ensuring a consistent supply of hydrocarbons.

Act East Policy

• Core Partner: Vietnam is a key ally in India’s Act East policy and integral to India's broader Indo-Pacific vision.

Support on Global Platforms

• UN Security Council: Vietnam actively supports India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

Challenges in India-Vietnam Relations

Balancing China

• Cautious Approach: Vietnam’s apprehension of provoking China limits the depth of military ties with India, impacting joint security initiatives.

Modest Trade

• Trade Volume Disparity: Despite increasing trade, it remains small compared to Vietnam's larger trade volumes with China and the U.S.

Trade Routing Issues

• Supply Chain Dynamics: The rise in trade through Vietnam, partly due to Chinese firms rerouting supply chains, complicates India’s trade strategy.

Reluctance in Military Deals

• Limited Military Purchases: Vietnam has hesitated to fully utilize India's line of credit for military purchases, avoiding some key acquisitions.

Cultural Gaps

• Understanding Barriers: Differences in culture, customs, and language create challenges for deeper people-to-people connections.

Initiatives to Strengthen Relations

• Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC): This initiative fosters collaboration in tourism, culture, education, and transport among India and five ASEAN nations, including Vietnam.
• Quick Impact Projects: Implemented in various Vietnamese provinces to promote immediate developmental benefits.
• Capacity Building: India provides training and educational opportunities for Vietnamese nationals.
• Defense Cooperation: India delivered the indigenously built missile corvette INS KIRPAN to Vietnam in 2023, enhancing maritime capabilities.

Way Forward

Enhancing Economic Cooperation

• Joint Ventures: Promote collaborative economic initiatives, boost digital and physical connectivity, and enhance market access for both nations.

Bridging Connectivity Gaps

• Trilateral Highway: Development of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway can improve links to Vietnam's Da Nang port.

Deepening Cultural Cooperation

• Strengthening Exchanges: Increase people-to-people interactions to leverage existing goodwill and cultural ties.

Realizing Converging Interests

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: Both nations are positioned strategically within the Indo-Pacific, and their cooperation will be crucial in shaping the region's geopolitical landscape amidst growing global competition.