Vietnam President To Lam Receives Ceremonial Welcome on First India State Visit

New Delhi, May 6, 2026 – In a significant boost to the deepening bond between New Delhi and Hanoi, the President of Vietnam, To Lam, was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The reception marks a milestone in his maiden state visit to India, underlining the robust and evolving strategic partnership between the two Asian nations.

President To Lam, who assumed office as the President of Vietnam in April 2026, was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The atmosphere at the presidential palace was one of warmth and diplomatic significance, as children from local schools greeted the visiting leader while waving the flags of both India and Vietnam.

This high-level engagement occurs at a pivotal moment, as both countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a relationship that has transformed significantly since its elevation in 2016.

A Journey Rooted in Heritage

Before his arrival in the national capital, President To Lam began his three-day state visit on Tuesday by traveling to the historic city of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. His visit to the Mahabodhi Temple—a site of profound spiritual importance—highlights the deep-rooted civilizational and Buddhist connections that have long linked the two countries.

In Bihar, President To Lam was welcomed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who remarked on the spiritual significance of the visit. The trip to Bodh Gaya served as a reminder that the India-Vietnam relationship is not merely built on contemporary geopolitical interests, but also on enduring cultural and historical foundations.

Strategic Discussions in New Delhi

Following the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President To Lam and Prime Minister Narendra Modi proceeded to Hyderabad House for intensive, delegation-level bilateral talks.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that these wide-ranging discussions are designed to inject fresh momentum into the bilateral agenda. Key areas of focus include:

• Defence and Maritime Security: As both nations look to secure the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, collaboration in defence—including the landmark partnership involving BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles—remains a cornerstone of their cooperation.
• Economic and Trade Expansion: With bilateral trade exceeding USD 14 billion, both leaders are exploring new avenues to bolster economic ties. This includes enhancing investment opportunities and energy cooperation, particularly involving hydrocarbon projects in Vietnamese offshore blocks.
• Regional and Global Issues: The leaders are engaging on critical regional topics, including stability in the South China Sea, ASEAN-India relations, and broader reforms within international institutions like the United Nations.

Prior to the formal talks with the Prime Minister, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with President To Lam on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for these strategic conversations, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Looking Toward the Future

President To Lam’s visit, which spans from May 5 to May 7, is not limited to diplomatic corridors in New Delhi. Following his engagements in the capital, the President is scheduled to travel to Mumbai. In the financial capital, he is expected to engage with top industry leaders and participate in a business forum at the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

This focus on business and trade highlights a shift toward more tangible economic outcomes, reflecting the aspirations of both governments to further integrate their economies.

A Milestone for Bilateral Ties

As the world watches the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Asia, the visit of President To Lam is widely viewed as a reaffirmation of mutual trust. By balancing spiritual engagements in Bihar with high-stakes policy discussions in New Delhi and business outreach in Mumbai, the visit underscores a holistic approach to diplomacy.

For India, the visit strengthens its “Act East” policy, while for Vietnam, it represents a continued commitment to deepening ties with a key strategic partner that shares its vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

As the state visit concludes on Thursday, the outcomes of the meetings between President To Lam and India’s top leadership are expected to outline a roadmap for the next decade of cooperation, signaling a new chapter in the friendship between the two nations.