India, Vietnam commit to strengthening cooperation in health 

At the invitation of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the General Secretary of Central Committee of Communist Party of Vietnam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, To Lam, paid a State Visit to India from 05 May to 07 May 2026. General Secretary, President To Lam was accompanied by a high-level delegation. A strong business delegation also accompanied the dignitary.

On 06 May 2026, General Secretary, President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He visited Raj Ghat to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. This was followed by bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and General Secretary, President To Lam. Thereafter, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of bilateral documents. Prime Minister Modi hosted a banquet lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. General Secretary, President To Lam met President, Droupadi Murmu, who also hosted a banquet dinner for him. General Secretary, President To Lam delivered a policy speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs, and addressed the Vietnam – India Innovation Forum. General Secretary, President To Lam is also scheduled to visit Mumbai for interactions and exchanges with the State Government and businesses, and address at the Vietnam-India Business Forum.

Health
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the health sector. Acknowledging the advancements made by the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the two sides agreed to explore ways for the potential participation of Indian companies in the procurement of medicines for Vietnamese public healthcare facilities from 2027, as mutually agreed. Recognizing the growing importance of technology, they encouraged cooperation in the digital transformation of healthcare, including the application of AI in the health sector.

Given the long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine in both countries, the leaders agreed to promote exchange of knowledge, research and best practices, while encouraging closer institutional linkages. They welcomed the progress towards the completion of the MoU on Traditional Medicine and the proposed MoU on the establishment of an Academic Chair in Ayurveda in Vietnam.

Science & technology, including critical and emerging technologies
The leaders reiterated the significance of digital technologies and welcomed the signing of the MoU between Reserve Bank of India and State Bank of Vietnam on financial innovation and digital payments. They agreed to promote linkages for retail payment platforms via QR Codes that would facilitate tourism and businesses of both sides.

The leaders agreed to facilitate greater collaboration and partnership in critical and emerging technology areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, space and nuclear technology, marine sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials and critical minerals. Cooperation will focus on practical initiatives such as joint research, R&D centers, and product development as mutually beneficial.

The leaders acknowledged their respective climate, sustainable development goals and energy transition priorities and agreed to enhance cooperation in clean and renewable energy, as well as climate and disaster resilient technologies. They recognized the relevance of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and institutions such as International Solar Alliance (ISA) in this regard. India welcomed Vietnam’s interest to join the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). The leaders also acknowledged the importance of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in promoting international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and resilience. They encouraged further cooperation in applying digital and advanced technologies in smart agriculture, sustainable water management, and air pollution control.

The leaders noted with satisfaction the ongoing collaboration in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy and agreed to intensify follow-up on various avenues of further cooperation emerging from the 4th India- Vietnam Joint Committee Meeting on atomic energy. India appreciates Vietnam’s invitation to participate in its nuclear power sector. Vietnam thanked India for the supply of Cobalt-60 and both sides agreed to explore modalities for its continued supply to Vietnam.

They noted the progress towards the establishment of the ASEAN-India tracking, data reception station and data processing facility in Vietnam. Vietnam agreed to expedite the remaining processes on its side with a view to facilitate the completion of project at the earliest.

The leaders welcomed the signing of MoU between IREL (India) Limited, Government of India, and the Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements, VINATOM, Government of Vietnam, on mutual cooperation in the field of Rare Earths, and emphasized its early and full implementation.
MB Bureau