India-Vietnam Relations: Prospects and Challenges

Introduction The India-Vietnam relationship is one of the most significant bilateral relationships in Asia, besides the India-Japan partnership. Over the years, in particular since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two on 7 January 1972, this bilateral tie has assumed robustness in a number of areas, ranging from politico-strategic, defence to economic areas as well as culture, education, training, entrepreneurship development, etc. There have been continual exchanges of visits of top leaders between the two countries on a regular basis, further cementing the mutual ties and seeking newer means to explore the new vistas so that both can maximize mutual gains. It would not be wrong to say that no other country within the ASEAN grouping has received the kind of importance and undivided attention that Vietnam is getting from India. This is the reason that makes India-Vietnam relations something very special