Vietnam-India Relations: Breakthrough in Science-Technology Cooperation

The recent visit by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to India marks a significant moment in the deepening relationship between Vietnam and India. The elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership underscores a shared vision for enhanced cooperation, particularly in the critical fields of science, technology, and innovation.

India's remarkable progress in science and technology, as exemplified by its high global rankings in innovation and intellectual property, presents a compelling model for Vietnam. The article highlights India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, fueled by initiatives like the Research and Innovation Fund and a focus on cutting-edge sectors such as AI and quantum technology. This drive for technological sovereignty is not merely an economic pursuit but a matter of national capability, as noted by former diplomat D.B. Venkatesh Varma.

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Technological sovereignty is not a gift bestowed by others, but a product of national capability in harnessing benefits from external cooperation.

From Vietnam's perspective, as articulated by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm, science, technology, and innovation are not just supporting tools but primary engines for development. The strong political trust between the two nations provides a fertile ground for collaboration in strategic areas like semiconductors and AI. The emphasis is on moving beyond mere policy-level discussions to practical implementation, fostering partnerships between research institutions, universities, and businesses, and facilitating the exchange of high-quality human resources.

This collaboration is particularly vital for Vietnam's digital transformation and its goal of becoming a developed nation. The potential for mutual support and the identification of key areas for cooperation, such as the semiconductor industry, offer a unique opportunity for both countries to advance their respective national interests. This story is uniquely interesting from Vietnam's viewpoint as it showcases a South-South cooperation model that leverages complementary strengths to achieve ambitious national development goals, a narrative often underrepresented in Western media's focus on global tech power dynamics.

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We can completely promote and explore areas of cooperation that can complement each other, promoting the strategic cooperation pillar on science and innovation not only at the policy level but also at the implementation level, by clearly identifying key areas and implementation models; establishing cooperation programs between research centers, universities and businesses, linked to training and high-quality human resource mobility between the two countries.