India & Vietnam boosts two-way Buddhist & cultural tourism under new programme
India_Vietnam
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India- Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed to celebrate this occasion in a befitting manner.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, To Lam, paid a state visit to India from May 5–7, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. During the visit, President To Lam held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, following which the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several key agreements aimed at deepening cooperation across sectors, including culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Sharing the common views on the transformative shifts in the global and regional landscape, the two leaders are reported to recognise the strong foundation of relations based on mutual trust, respect, understanding, shared outlook and effective cooperation across numerous fields. They therefore agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the spirit of ‘shared vision, strategic convergence, substantive cooperation’, further translating the enormous goodwill into tangible outcomes.
They noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India- Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed to celebrate this occasion in a befitting manner.
The leaders acknowledged that tourism is a key driver of people-to-people ties and economic growth. They welcomed the signing of the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism and decided to encourage growth of two-way tourism in a sustainable and inclusive manner, including cultural and heritage, medical and wellness tourism among others. Prime Minister Modi invited Viet Nam’s tourists and pilgrims to visit the Buddhist Circuit in India. Welcoming the increase in direct flights between the two countries, they encouraged their civil aviation authorities to discuss enhancing air connectivity.
The leaders welcomed the signing of the Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026 - 2030 and agreed to further promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people links.
Underlining the deep civilisational bonds between the two countries, the leaders encouraged greater exchange of Buddhist scholars, monks, pilgrims and students. India appreciated Viet Nam’s support for the annual organisation of the International Day of Yoga in a large number of Vietnamese cities and provinces.
The leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU on the Establishment of Friendship and Cooperation between Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City and encouraged such cooperation and connectivity.
