Why in News?

India and Vietnam elevated bilateral relations to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026, strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, technology and maritime security.

Geography

  • Capital: Hanoi
  • Largest city: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Located in Southeast Asia.

Borders

Vietnam shares land borders with:

  • China
  • Laos
  • Cambodia

It has a long coastline along the South China Sea.

Strategic Importance

Vietnam is important to India because of:

  • Indo-Pacific
  • South China Sea
  • ASEAN
  • Maritime security
  • Act East Policy

India–Vietnam Cooperation

Areas include:

  • Defence
  • Maritime security
  • Trade
  • Digital technology
  • Space
  • Capacity building
  • Connectivity

Defence Cooperation

India has provided defence assistance and has cooperated with Vietnam in maritime security and military training.

Prelims Pointer: Vietnam → ASEAN → South China Sea → China, Laos & Cambodia borders → Act East Policy.