Prime Minister Le Minh Hung held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday during his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit.
PM Hung proposed that the two sides establish economic corridors and supply chains, launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), and work closely with ASEAN member states to accelerate the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). He also welcomed greater investment by major Indian corporations in Vietnam, particularly in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of road, rail, air and maritime connectivity. They agreed to explore railway projects, develop a South Asia-Southeast Asia connectivity corridor, and strengthen links between the two countries’ seaports in connection with Asia-Europe maritime routes. PM Hung called on India to increase the frequency of direct flights between major cities in the two countries.
The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in the defense industry and military trade, training and concessional credit, and to convene the first meeting of the Diplomacy-Defense Dialogue mechanism at an early date.
PM Hung called for the early formulation of a Vietnam-India Technology Connectivity Strategy focusing on key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and 6G technologies. He also proposed launching joint programs to train AI and semiconductor engineers, providing digital skills for younger generations, and connecting innovative startups from both countries.
The two leaders expressed their desire to build on the strong cultural, civilizational, historical and religious ties between Vietnam and India to further expand cooperation in tourism, culture, heritage preservation and people-to-people exchanges.
