Brief Context
Context India and Vietnam have agreed to step up cooperation in the media and entertainment sector during a meeting between the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and a delegation from Vietnam. Challenges China Factor: Both countries face maritime disputes with China, but Vietnam remains cautious in overtly aligning with India on regional security. Trade Imbalance: Vietnam enjoys a trade surplus with India (e.g., USD 9.35 bn imports vs USD 5.47 bn exports in 2023–24).
Source Content
Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- India and Vietnam have agreed to step up cooperation in the media and entertainment sector during a meeting between the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and a delegation from Vietnam.
About
- Some of the priority areas identified include:
- Content exchange between national broadcasters (e.g., Doordarshan and Vietnam Television).
- Joint film production and co-hosted film festivals.
- Capacity building and training in journalism, media management, and digital broadcasting.
- Exchange programs for media professionals, scholars, and film artists.
- Promotion of shared cultural and historical narratives, especially around Buddhism and regional heritage.
Highlights of the India-Vietnam Relations:
- In 2022, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
- 2016: Elevated from Strategic to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit.
- 2020: “Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People” adopted.
- 2022: 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties celebrated.
- 2024: Bilateral momentum strengthened through multiple high-level exchanges.
- Trade & Economic Relations:
- India-Vietnam bilateral trade (Apr 2023–Mar 2024): USD 14.82 billion (India’s exports: USD 5.47 bn; Imports: USD 9.35 bn).
- India–Vietnam Defence Cooperation Frameworks:
- MoU on Defence Cooperation (2009), Joint Vision Statement (2015).
- Joint Vision Statement on India–Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 signed in June 2022.
- Defence Training and Supplies: India provides training to Vietnamese military personnel.
- Defence Line of Credit (LoC) worth US$ 500 million to Vietnam.
- INS Kirpan gifted to Vietnam ( 2023) — first major warship transfer to an ASEAN country.
- Joint Exercises and Naval Cooperation: Regular bilateral naval exercises (e.g., PASSEX), the joint military exercise VINBAX, port calls, and collaboration on maritime domain awareness.
- Regional and Global Cooperation: Shared vision for free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- Vietnam supports India’s bid for UNSC permanent membership.
- Close coordination in ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS), and Mekong frameworks.
- India supports Vietnam’s role in regional architecture under Act East Policy.
- Recent Developments and Cooperation:
- 2024 Plan of Action (2024–2028) signed to implement the strategic partnership.
- Vietnam joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- Joint stamp issued celebrating 50 years, featuring Kalaripayattu and Vovinam.
Challenges
- China Factor: Both countries face maritime disputes with China, but Vietnam remains cautious in overtly aligning with India on regional security.
- Trade Imbalance: Vietnam enjoys a trade surplus with India (e.g., USD 9.35 bn imports vs USD 5.47 bn exports in 2023–24).
- India’s export potential remains underutilized due to non-tariff barriers, logistics costs, and limited market access.
- Slow Progress in FTA Review: The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is under review since 2022 but progress has been sluggish.
- Connectivity Bottlenecks: Limited direct connectivity hampers people-to-people ties, tourism, and trade facilitation.
- Maritime Security Constraints: While naval cooperation is improving, joint patrols or maritime domain awareness (MDA) sharing is limited.
- Vietnam’s lack of naval interoperability with India compared to China’s footprint in South China Sea complicates deep defence engagement.
- Competing Economic Models: Vietnam is more deeply integrated with East Asian supply chains and free trade agreements (RCEP) than India.
- This reduces Vietnam’s dependence on India as a trading partner.
Way Ahead
- To strengthen ties, India and Vietnam must work towards a balanced trade relationship and expedite the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
- Defence and maritime cooperation should deepen through joint training, logistics support, and shipbuilding collaboration.
- Improving connectivity, promoting bilateral investments, and enhancing digital, startup, and energy partnerships are key.
- Both countries should also align on a rules-based Indo-Pacific order and cooperate closely in regional and multilateral forums.
Source: AIR