Indian scholar: Great potential for stronger Vietnam-India bilateral ties

The scholar shared his view in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in New Delhi on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – India diplomatic ties (1972-2022), during which he stressed that the bilateral relations has witnessed comprehensive development in terms of politics, economy, diplomacy and strategy.

Vietnam and India share a common vision on and approach to major regional and international issues, he said, noting that at bilateral and multilateral forums, both India and Vietnam have reiterated their commitments regarding issues such as the Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation.

In the bilateral framework, the two countries regularly exchange delegations at all levels, the most recent being the official visit to India by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, and the two countries have also planned other high-level delegation exchanges in 2022.

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L) and Shri P. P. Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs of India (Photo: VNA)

Dr. Rup Narayan Das said he did not see any major factors hindering bilateral relations, adding that he expects more momentum in the India-Vietnam relations, including people-to-people exchange and civil society.

It is a good thing that now there is a direct flight between Vietnam and India, and this is expected to promote tourism as well as people-to-people exchange between the two countries, he said.

Noting that the two countries are cooperating closely and have many complementary points in all fields of politics, economics, and strategy and people-to-people exchange, he said the two countries can also expand cooperation to promote supply chains, thus fostering two-way trade.

The scholar said India should pour more invest into Vietnam and the two countries need to promote trade and economic ties to a higher level.

According to the Indian expert, India may also offer more scholarships under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) may open offices in Vietnamese universities to promote Indian studies in Vietnam.

He said there is still huge potential for Vietnam and India to cooperate in areas such as agriculture, nuclear and medicine for the benefit of both sides.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnamese and Indian leaders have maintained close contact. They have many bilateral dialogue mechanisms, which have been held fairly regularly without interruptions.

He also underlined the potential for the two sides to expand tourism cooperation and relations between localities of the two countries.